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Fall and winter squash varieties, including acorn, butternut and spaghetti, are now showing up in farmers’ markets. You’ll be delighted by how delicious, easy to prepare and versatile spaghetti squash can be. Spaghetti squash is named for its uncanny resemblance to pasta once cooked. The squash is tasty yet neutral enough to pair with anything you would normally eat atop pasta. And, if you're watching your carb intake, spaghetti squash should go in your cart. Take a look at how it measures up against standard noodles:
 Preparation: Microwave Cut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds. Place in a microwave-safe baking dish, cut side up, with 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook on high for 10 to 12 minutes, or until tender. Let cool; use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands. Preparation: Baking Pierce whole squash several times all over with a fork to ventilate steam. Place on a baking sheet; bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 60 to 90 minutes or until squash is tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife. Let cool; use a fork to scrape out the strands. Preparation: Boiling This is the easiest method: In a pot large enough to hold the squash and water to cover it, bring the water to a boil. Carefully drop in the squash; cover and cook at a low boil for 20 to 30 minutes or until squash is tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife. Let cool; use a fork to scrape out the strands.  Pesto Spaghetti Squash For simple side dish, mix a spoonful of your favorite pesto into a serving of squash. Top with a bit of shredded Parmesan and perhaps a serving of roast chicken. Spaghetti Squash with Corn Cut the kernels from 4 ears of farm-fresh corn; saute in olive oil with chopped garlic. Add cooked spaghetti squash, a handful of toasted pine nuts and some chopped parsley. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Spaghetti Squash with Butter and Garlic This makes a terrific side dish with grilled shrimp or ground chicken. Melt butter in a skillet; add garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add cooked spaghetti squash and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Spaghetti (Squash) and Meatballs Swap spaghetti squash for the traditional pasta, tossed with your favorite marinara sauce and low-fat turkey meatballs. Chef Meg’s Slow-Cooker Chicken Marinara Cooked spaghetti squash would be the perfect base for this easy meal of boneless chicken with a chunky vegetable sauce. Spaghetti Squash with Fresh Tomato Sauce A super-flavorful, all-veggie meal comes together with very little effort when you toss cooked spaghetti squash with a nearly no-cook fresh tomato sauce. Spaghetti Squash with Creamy Tomato-Mushroom Sauce Rich-tasting dried mushrooms, canned whole tomatoes and a touch of cream come together in this traditional Italian pasta sauce that works well with cooked spaghetti squash. Spaghetti Squash Pancakes Think potato pancakes but made with spaghetti squash instead, so they’re a bit lighter-tasting. Great as a side dish with grilled pork chops or chicken sausages. Related Recipe: Pancit Bihon recipe What is your favorite spaghetti squash recipe?  Bryn Mooth is extending her 20-year career in publishing as an independent journalist and copywriter. She shares seasonal recipes, kitchen techniques, healthy eating tips and food wisdom on her blog writes4food.com. Want more healthy recipes from me and fellow SparkPeople members? Be sure to subscribe to SparkPeople's Recipe of the Day email. Click here to sign up! Did you know SparkRecipes is now on Facebook? Click here to "Like" us! Like this blog? Then you'll love "The SparkPeople Cookbook: Love Your Food, Lose the Weight." |
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