Brighten Up Your Winter with Savory Turmeric Sauce

Growing up, I lived in New York, where the four seasons were distinct and the winters were white with snow. Though I loved the unique changes that each season brought, the sun-worshipper in me eventually followed the warmth and light to the west coast, and then even further west to Hawaii. With a good amount of vata in my constitution, I thrived in the warm sunshine of those climates, but eventually I found myself missing the beauty of fall and winter.

And of course, I missed the opportunity to slow down, curl up, and cook my favorite warm, nourishing winter meals!

Now, several years later, I have landed in beautiful Oregon, where I am surrounded by the turning of each beautiful season once again. I’m LOVING living in the Pacific Northwest with its dynamic seasons, tasty local fall harvest, and cold, snowy winters. Last winter was my first full season of snow in 10 years!

I must say, as much as my vata loves the sun and warmth, my pitta really appreciates having a break from the heat. The coolness of the fall and the peaceful stillness of winter have brought about a deep appreciation for change, for the natural rhythm of nature, and for the opportunity to slow down and nourish myself.

So here I am now, whipping up some yummy nourishing wintertime meals in my kitchen. I am so happy you’ve joined me!

Winter Cooking with Savory Turmeric Sauce

Winter is a season for cozying up, staying warm, and spending time with loved ones. It’s a time of root veggies, savory soups, and for this vata-prone girl—a time for fatty, flavorful sauces.

One of my favorite ways to prepare winter veggies is to simply roast or sauté them, then add a hefty drizzle of my favorite savory turmeric sauce. This sauce is nourishing and deeply satisfying with its rich flavors and healthy fats. It contains all six tastes, which help keep your digestion happy, all of your organ systems invigorated, and your palate thoroughly satisfied.

The sesame oil and tahini offer a rich healthy fat that calms and soothes the nervous system (balancing for vata) and provides the perfect creamy texture on your tongue. The miso paste and liquid aminos provide a unique salty taste that is lip-smackingly delicious.

Maple syrup provides a healthy sweet that balances out the zesty sour taste of the lemon or lime. And of course, the star of the show, turmeric, offers the three final flavors—pungent, bitter, and astringent—rounding out this delectable treat to be a total “mmmmm out loud” experience.

You will never look at cooked veggies the same way again. In the same way that kitchari for me is a carrier for ghee and salt, your veggies will become a carrier for this awesome sauce! At least it has been for me, but don’t take my word for it—try it for yourself!

Savory Turmeric Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup toasted sesame oil
• ¼ cup tahini
• ¼ cup filtered or spring water
• 2 tablespoon mellow white miso paste
• 2 teaspoons Bragg’s liquid aminos (or coconut aminos)
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup (or coconut nectar)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Juice of 2 fresh lemons or limes

Directions:

Add the miso paste and water to a bowl and mix with the back of a spoon to mash and dissolve it as best as possible.

Once the miso paste is dissolved, add the remaining ingredients and mix until smooth. Finally, blend it all up in a blender or pour into a jar with a tightly closed lid and shake vigorously.

Drizzle over steamed, sautéed, or roasted veggies. You can also use it as a salad dressing, drizzle it over your favorite grain, or try it on top of a savory stew.

This recipe makes 3–4 servings. Store in the refrigerator for 2–3 days (if it lasts that long).

Enjoy!