Sunday, October 3

Spaghetti Squash - a refreshing and super healthy alternative to pasta


I have a confession to make... I'm obsessed with spaghetti squash. 
Seriously, it's delicious! 
And it's not just because it's a guilt-free alternative to pasta 
(although that is a very nice feature!)
... it's because it really is that good


It took some convincing to get my half-Italian husband to try it (I know, I know, it's not real pasta), but once he tried it even he loves it now.

You should be adventurous and give it a try!

Read on for the how-to....


There are a few possible ways to cook a spaghetti squash... 

1. you can cook it whole on a baking tray, for about 45 minutes at 400 degrees. Then cut it in half and  scoop out (and discard) the center seeds. Then using a fork, scrape the sides of the squash to remove all the "spaghetti". 
2. Alternatively, you can cut the squash in half before it's cooked and remove the inner seeds (this is a little easier than when it's cooked). Then place the squash halves open-side-down on an oiled baking dish with a  little water, and cook for 45-50 minutes at 400 degrees. As above, use a fork to scrape out the "spaghetti".


 Once you have your cooked "spaghetti", you can do whatever you want with it... 
.... like saute it with a little garlic & butter, then top with parmesan cheese and chives.
 Or the classic way with tomato sauce & cheese.
You can also serve it right out of the squash half... after you scoop out the center seeds (and cook your squash as described above), use the open squash halves as bowls and fill with pasta sauce and top with grated cheese. Then place them under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese melts & starts to brown slightly.

Any way you do it, it's delicious!

15 comments:

k said...

this is interesting, i've never even heard of it! i think i'll have to try!

k said...

oh and funny story - so i had your page open to make the cinnamon puff things - but then somewhere must have switched pages to the scones - so thought i was making the puffs then halfway through realized it was the scones..haha :) i was all "but where is the cinnamon!?"

Lady Grey said...

Krystal, that is hilarious! Did you bake them anyway?!

mermaid gallery said...

I always forget about spaghetti squash....I know it's a great pasta alternative and super tasty....think I will give it a bake this week! thanks for a little inspiration.....

iheartkiwi said...

i LOVE spaghetti squash! my mom always made it for us when we were children.

i'm not sure if kiwi has ever tried it... i'll have to introduce him to this lovely dish!

Robyn said...

My mother makes this once a week. I am constantly stealing the leftovers from her fridge. Best veggie treat ever.

heather said...

can you believe i've never eaten spaghetti squash!? man, what's wrong with me. this looks amazing + i love love love squash!

Aurora said...

I've made spaghetti squash before and love it! So good! Garlic, butter, cheese and chives with it looks phenomenal!

Aspiring Kennedy said...

i tried this once... but you've sold me on doing it again. i need to cut out carbs somewhere... especially with all the beer/cider i've been drinking here. yikes!!!

so- you think it's easier to cut first, and then do all the other steps than work with getting the seeds out after?

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

Love this stuff- grew up on it and make it now for ONE of my monkeys- the other one is offended.

Beach House Living said...

I tried this once a long time ago at a friend's home. I forgot how good it was. Thanks for the how to.

Bianca said...

People rave about how spaghetti squash is a delicious and healthy alternative to pasta; but, truthfully, I have never tried. I think I will finally give it a try, it's time I become a believer!

xoxo
bianca

a whole lotta love said...

I've never tried this. Sounds very interesting! I love squash... can't believe I haven't seen this before. Thanks!

Natalie said...

Adrien is repressing childhood memories - mom used to make it for us all the time cuz it was one of the only things I would agree to eat beyond cheese and nutella. She'd make it as a side with some parm on top, yuuuummmm.

House of Milk said...

Weird, I made pretty much the exact same thing last night! I never thought a squash could be so much fun :)