Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Spaghetti squash is a somewhat oblong-shaped vegetable with yellow to a yellow-orange color. When raw the flesh is similar to other raw squash but when cooked the inner flesh resembles spaghetti-like stands when scooped out. This is why it’s also called vegetable spaghetti. Its flavor is sweet and mild, similar to pasta. Spaghetti squash originated from China and was then brought to the United States by a Chinese agricultural firm. This vegetable is packed with nutrients and very filling. It is low in calories and good amounts of dietary fiber. It also has vitamins A, B, and C, beta-carotene, and minerals zinc, copper, calcium, and phosphorus.

This recipe is a Mediterranean spaghetti squash dish. This can be served as an entrée with a slice of crusty bread or as a great side dish for roast meats.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 14 oz can of quartered artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1 cup green olives, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive juice
• 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp pepper

Instructions:

This recipe takes about 30 minutes to make. The spaghetti squash needs to roast in the oven for 45 minutes. Serves 4 to 5.

Slice spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
Pour water into a baking sheet and put squash cut-side down.
Roast in the oven for 45 minutes at 350°F.
Set aside for 5 minutes.
As squash will still be too hot to handle with bare hands, use a towel to pick up the squash.
Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds.
Now using a fork, scoop out all the flesh.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Saute onion and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add bell pepper and season with salt.
Reduce heat to low.
Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 4 minutes.
Add spaghetti squash and mix well.
Mix in artichoke, olives, grated parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, basil, and salt.
Cover pan with a lid and simmer for 7 to 10 minutes.
Pour a splash of olive juice and sprinkle pepper.
Give it a good mix and turn off heat.
Serve on a large serving platter.

Ideas And Tips:

• A quicker way to cook spaghetti squash is in the microwave. Poke holes in the spaghetti squash. The holes will help let the steam out from the squash to prevent it from exploding while cooking in the microwave. Put it in a microwave-safe dish. Cook on high for 4 to 5 minutes per lb.

images – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLl3YpJCbfA