Sometimes the best recipes come from what’s already in your kitchen. This simple yet magical roasted yam and Delicata squash spread was one of those happy kitchen accidents. What started as a cozy roasted side turned into a creamy dip, a sandwich spread, and even the perfect addition to my lettuce wraps.
It’s earthy, a little sweet, a little smoky, and absolutely delicious — no dairy needed!
✨ The Roasted Magic
Here’s what I used:
- 1 yam
- 1 Delicata squash
- Olive oil
- salt, pepper, and paprika
- a sprinkle of cinnamon (next time I might try allspice!)
I roasted everything until soft, caramelized, and full of that “roasty goodness.” Then I tossed it into my food processor with a touch more olive oil and a bit of water, blending until smooth.
That’s it – a warm, cozy dip that’s as simple as it gets and full of flavor.
🍠 Ways to Enjoy It
1. As a warm dip for crackers:
The flavor deepens when you warm it just slightly. I like to use gluten-free crackers, but any good sturdy cracker will work.
2. As a cold spread in lettuce wraps:
This is where the magic really happens! The sweetness of the roasted veggies pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce and savory fillings.
🥬 My Two Favorite Lettuce Wraps
#1 The Turkey Crunch Wrap
- 2 leaves of iceberg lettuce
- A spoonful of roasted yam & squash spread
- Boar’s Head roasted turkey slices
- Avocado (if I have it)
- A few potato chips — plain or sour cream & onion
The chips are my little treat for being healthy — and they give the perfect crunchy contrast.
#2 The Ham & Pepper Wrap
- 2 iceberg lettuce leaves
- A layer of the roasted spread
- Sliced ham
- Thin-sliced sweet bell pepper for a little crunch and color
Both versions are surprisingly filling! Add a few extra chips and some of the spread as a dip on the side, and you’ve got a balanced, satisfying meal.
🌿 Mindful Eating Moment
When you eat slowly and pay attention to how the food tastes, something amazing happens — the flavors change. At first, you’ll notice all the vibrant notes of spice, salt, and sweetness. Then, at some point, the flavors start to fade and taste “bland.”
That’s your body’s quiet way of saying, “I’ve had enough for now.”
That’s the real magic — listening to your body while enjoying something nourishing and delicious.
This recipe is:
- Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free
- Simple enough for a weeknight
- Beautifully versatile
- And best of all, made from real, whole ingredients you probably already have on hand
Give it a try, and maybe even create your own twist — add herbs, swap the seasoning, or try it as a base for a grain bowl. Cooking with intuition is part of the magic.
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