I’m not sure about you, but I kinda dread the eye roll when you show up at the family Thanksgiving with another Tofurkey. Overly processed, yes. Predictable, yes. Visually appealing, not so much. When I have a chance to make something vegan to share, I like to step it up. Make it fresh, seasonal and absolutely lovable. This year, I’m all about the delicata squash.

Delicata squash has subtle, rich flavors and a creamy texture without all the sweetness of many of the other winter squashes. But better than that, it’s so much easier to prepare than the acorn or the butternut — the skin in thinner (no peeling required!) and entirely edible. Easy and delicious is always a win.

This Delicata Squash, Leek and Sage Galette is warm, bright and jam-packed with fall flavors. With a creamy vegan cheese base that adds just enough decadence to be holiday worthy. Your grandma will approve.

The cheese sauce we use in this recipe is also in our Rustic Heirloom Tomato Tart. Also amazing and you should check it out.

If you prefer a shine on your pie crust, brush with just a little melted coconut oil. Don’t overdo it or you’re likely to end up with an oily mess.

Time savers:If you’re short on time, you can find vegan pie crust in the refrigerator section of most grocery stores. That being said, making you own is more delicious. You can even make our perfectly flaky pie crust weeks ahead and tuck it away in the freezer or refrigerator.

Roasted Delicata Squash, Leek and Sage Galette

Author: Katie Koteen
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

1 vegan pie crust (or our Perfectly Flaky Pie Crust recipe)

Vegan Cheese Sauce

1 12-oz. package extra-firm silken tofu
3 tsp. lemon juice
¼ tsp. salt
½ tsp. agave nectar (or maple syrup)
½ Tbsp. nutritional yeast
2 Tbsp. tapioca starch
1 tsp. olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced

Filling

2 tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 tbsp, chopped fresh sage
1/4 tsp. olive oil
1 delicata squash, ends removed and cored to remove seeds and stringy bits
1 leek, sliced thin and rinsed well
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
1 tbsp. olive oil, divided
salt
pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Using a very sharp knife or (better yet) a mandolin, carefully slice the delicata squash in thin rounds. In a large bowl, gently toss delicata squash, 1/2 tbsp. olive oil, sage and 1/8 tsp. salt. Spread out onto the baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes.

Remove squash from the oven and set aside to cool.

While the squash is baking, heat 1/2 tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet. Add the sliced leeks and cook until soft and slightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from the pan and set aside.

To make the vegan cheese: Drain the tofu and press between a few layers of paper towels to remove as much water as possible. Add the tofu to the bowl of a food processor or blender along with the lemon juice, salt, agave nectar, nutritional yeast, and tapioca starch. Blend until creamy and adjust seasonings to taste (I added a pinch more salt).

Using the same pan you cooked the leeks in, warm a teaspoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 1 clove garlic and cook until just golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vegan cheese mixture. As the heat activates the tapioca starch, the mixture will thicken and become gooey. This should take 3 to 5 minutes. At this time, sprinkle in a tablespoon of fresh thyme. Remove from heat.

Prepare your crust by rolling it out on a lightly floured surface into a 10–12 inch circle. Then, using a rubber spatula to spread spread out the creamy cheese sauce, leaving a 1 inch border. Top with cooked leeks and finally the squash rounds. I like to start from the outside, slightly overlapping as I continue to move toward the center. Finally fold the edges just slightly over the filling.

Return to the oven for another 20-30 minutes or until crust is nice and crisp. Be sure to keep an eye on the squash. If it starts to get too brown before the crust is done, make an aluminum foil round and gently place it over the squash to keep it from burning.