Squash, Adzuki Bean & Scallion Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Tahini Sauce
Butternut squash and adzuki bean fritters make a perfect side or are delicious served simply on their own. The squash is roasted with a warm spice for that holiday flavour. The adzuki bean brings a slight sweetness in taste while the spiced tahini is the perfect accompaniment. Adzuki beans can be found at Asian grocers and are sold dry, canned or vacuum-packed in the refrigerated section. Red kidney, blackeyed or navy beans are a great alternative when adzuki beans are not available.
5 cups (1.25 L) peeled, seeded and diced butternut squash (about 2½ lbs/1.13 kg)
2 tbsp (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil
½ tsp (2 mL) allspice
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
½ tsp (2 mL) fresh ground pepper
1¼ cups (310 mL) cooked adzuki beans
¼ cup (60 mL) green onions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
½ cup (125 mL) panko bread crumbs
2 large eggs, beaten
3 tbsp (45 mL) sunflower oil or other neutral oil
TAHINI DIPPING SAUCE
⅓ cup (80 mL) tahini
2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh lemon juice 1 tsp (5 mL) minced garlic
1 tsp (5 mL) honey
1 tbsp (15 mL) sriracha
⅓ cup (80 mL) water
½ tsp (2 mL) salt
GARNISH, OPTIONAL
⅓ cup (80 mL) thinly sliced green onions 1 Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2 Place squash on large baking sheet and toss with oil, allspice, salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and tender.
3 Place roasted squash into a large mixing bowl and mash with a fork. Add in beans, onions, panko crumbs and eggs and mix well.
4 In a large nonstick pan, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. Using a ¼-cup (60-mL) measure, form the fritter mixture into 12 round patties. Place 4 patties about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart in greased pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until dark golden and crisp. Gently flip fritters over and fry for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Repeat with remaining patties.
5 To make tahini dipping sauce, in a medium bowl whisk all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Tahini dip can be made a day ahead and served in a small dish alongside fritters.
6 Scatter green onions over fritters for garnish if desired
Serves 4 as an appetizer or 6 as a side dish WHAT TO SERVE
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