A version of this sauce appeared in my first book, Vegetariana, and I’ve used it ever since. It’s one of the most luscious, versatile sauces in my repertoire—it tastes great on sweet potatoes (see Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Cashew Butter Sauce, page 209), mashed potatoes, grains, vegetables, and noodles.

　　

Ingredients

makes about 2 cups

　　2 teaspoons olive oil

　　1/2 medium red, orange, or yellow bell pepper, finely diced

　　2 to 3 scallions, minced

　　1 cup finely diced tomato

　　1 tablespoon unbleached white flour

　　1 cup vegetable stock or water

　　1/2 cup cashew butter

　　1/2 teaspoon good-quality curry powder

　　1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger, optional

　　Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

　　

Step 1

Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the bell pepper and scallions and cook over medium-low heat until the pepper softens, about 4 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Add the tomato and cook for 3 to 4 minutes longer, stirring, until it softens.

　　

Step 3

Sprinkle in the flour and stir until well blended with the vegetables. Pour in the stock and bring to a gentle simmer.

　　

Step 4

Whisk in the cashew butter, then add the curry and optional ginger. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper. Serve at once or cover until needed, then heat through before serving.

　　

nutrition information

Step 5

(per 1/4 cup)

　　

Step 6

Calories: 116

　　

Step 7

Total Fat: 9g

　　

Step 8

Protein: 3g

　　

Step 9

Carbohydrates: 7g

　　

Step 10

Fiber: 1g

　　

Step 11

Sodium: 50mg

　　Reprinted with permission from Vegan Express: Featuring 160 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, and Healthy Meals by Nava Atlas. Copyright © 2008 by Nava Atlas. Excerpted by permission of Broadway, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.Nava Atlas is the author of nine cookbooks, including The Vegetarian Family Cookbook, The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet, and Vegetarian Soups for All Seasons. She lives in the Hudson Valley region of New York with her husband and two teenage sons (all vegans).