Spaghetti Squash?
- Thread starter LizC7
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Nanbo
Cathlete
I LOVE spaghetti squash! There are a lot of recipes on the internet for it; but I just cut mine in half lengthwise, rub coconut oil all over the insides, sea salt and pepper...then turn it cut side down on a cookie sheet (with a lip around the edge) and cook at 375 for about 45 minutes (I get small ones). Take it out of the oven and use a spatula and a hot mitt to flip it cut side up. LET IT COOL about 10 to 15 minutes before scraping out the long strands with a fork. I think the texture is like al' dente noodles but I'm an optimist! I just really love the flavor combined with a nice marinara/ bison meat sauce. Give it a try, what's the worst thing that can happen? 
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Haven't had that in ages, but I did have it once with browned butter & recall seeing a great recipe with browned butter & walnuts. Delish! Coconut oil, while excellent on some levels, for me just doesn't go with a lot of things, somehow it just seems to go with stuff that's more equatorial?
Another one had brown sugar, but that might have been an acorn squash, I just roast those with balsamic, lately the market hasn't had much in the way of good fall veggies. Our markets, like most of our franchised restaurants, kind of just suck.
Another one had brown sugar, but that might have been an acorn squash, I just roast those with balsamic, lately the market hasn't had much in the way of good fall veggies. Our markets, like most of our franchised restaurants, kind of just suck.
lisa_la_machina
Cathlete
I'm not as fancy as Nancy. I steam mine in the microwave with a little water. Time depends on the size of the squash. Roasting is probably better but I'm lazy!
I think spaghetti squash is all about the toppings! After you've cooked your squash, you shred the flesh into strands or "noodles" with a fork. I like it with chili, stew, or any tomato or creamy meat sauce you would put on pasta.
Lisa
I steam mine in the microwave with a little water. Time depends on the size of the squash. Roasting is probably better but I'm lazy! I think spaghetti squash is all about the toppings! After you've cooked your squash, you shred the flesh into strands or "noodles" with a fork. I like it with chili, stew, or any tomato or creamy meat sauce you would put on pasta.
Lisa
desertambrosia
Cathlete
I love spaghetti squash, I cook it as Nancy stated, in the oven. Keep in mind, if you're expecting it to taste like spaghetti, it doesn't.
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complik8td
Cathlete
How difficult is it to cut the squash in half? I have trouble cutting butternut squash, so I was wondering if spaghetti squash was just as difficult? TIA!
Nanbo
Cathlete
It is WICKED HARD to cut the squash!!! Be VERY careful! I was thinking that the next time I buy one I'll see it the produce folks can cut it for me...after all, they cut cantaloupes and watermelons, right? Another perk with the squash is roasting the seeds! I leave the slimy icky stuff on the seeds and drizzle coconut oil on them. Then a bit of sea salt and sometimes a smidgen of cayenne pepper....roast at about 300 until brown...YUMMY!
complik8td
Cathlete
Oh see now, you confirmed my suspicion. Drat! Yes, perhaps the produce folks may agree to cut the squash for you. That's a good thought. I always buy pre-cut and cubed squash, but there is one supermarket near me that sells peeled halves for a little less, so I'll buy those when I'm there. I wish they sold the spaghetti squash already peeled!! Waaaahhhh.
The roasted seeds sound scrumptious!If you want to experiment with healthy spaghetti alternatives, you might consider buying a spiralizer. (like this: http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Spiralizer-Tri-Blade-Spiral-Vegetable/dp/B006THC75E/ ) You can turn veggies like carrots or zucchini into long noodles in a snap -- eat raw or saute. Sauce like you would your pasta.
CeciFifi
Cathlete
I have a spiralizer and use it to make zucchini noodles. I make my own pesto (no cheese and use pistachios as cheaper) and pour it on. You can add cooked chicken etc.. I love it. My family and friends love it etc.. You don't cook the noodles - you eat them raw. We use the spiralizer to make curly fries too. You can spiralize your sweet potatoes and just flash fry them in olive oil and garlic (add salt/pepper) to add a bit of heat sans cooking them. Just another way to get more veg in your diet. Raw veg = nature's broom.
complik8td
Cathlete
I have TWO and have never used them. :shock: Soooo lazy! LOL
ReneePruitt
Cathlete
I think it is so easy to do! I take the spaghetti squash an poke it and bake it in oven, till soft then take out of oven and cool enough that I can cut in half. Then I take out seeds and toss them into the trash scraping the rest of the squash into the bowl. Basically the shell peels off also. Then as I fluff I will add my sauce to it. I add no salt but I put garlic powder and an interesting flavor I like in it is tumeric. That's it. For the DH he likes a little cheese melted on his. But I keep it in a bowel with a lid so all I have to do is dip it out on my plate for a quick snack the next day for lunch heat in microwave! Low cal and delicsh !
horsing around
Cathlete
I love spaghetti squash, but my husband isn't as big of a fan. I'm happy with how it turns out when I microwave it. Then I make a taco bake with it. I use spaghetti squash, ground turkey, black beans and whatever else I want to throw in. He'll eat it that way.
I also have a spiralizer and have only used it to make zucchini noodles so far. I found it's better to cut the zucchini in half, then run each half through, otherwise the noodles are too long and tangle up. Hubby isn't a fan of zucchini either, unless it's fried. Oh well, I'm not giving up on trying healthier foods. I focus on finding ways to make them tasty!
Lisa
I also have a spiralizer and have only used it to make zucchini noodles so far. I found it's better to cut the zucchini in half, then run each half through, otherwise the noodles are too long and tangle up. Hubby isn't a fan of zucchini either, unless it's fried. Oh well, I'm not giving up on trying healthier foods. I focus on finding ways to make them tasty!
Lisa
Nanbo
Cathlete
Renee, I never thought to cook the squash whole and cut it in half after it is softer!!! That is brilliant! How long does it take to cook a whole squash?
bayerngirl
Cathlete
I love butternut squash. I take the seeds out before baking it. I find taking the seeds out with a spoon before baking it it's easier than leaving the seeds in, JMO! Less mess! I cut my squash before I bake it too.
bayerngirl
Cathlete
Justinef
Cathlete
Or if you don't want to have to cut and eat your squash... there's always this:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/...706.html?1414436647&utm_hp_ref=healthy-living
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/...706.html?1414436647&utm_hp_ref=healthy-living
complik8td
Cathlete
This is GREAT!! Haha!
complik8td
Cathlete
Smart girl!I have my husband cut the squash in half
ReneePruitt
Cathlete
Nan it takes about 45 minutes depending on the size of the squash. Honestly I never timed it to the T! Oops I just stuck it in and went on with my exercise or a walk or jog and came back checked it with a poke and if it had a slight golden look and soft I'd take it out. But it does not need to be golden brown all over or it would be over cooked. But as I am taking my shower it is cooling down then I am slicing after I am cleaned up so really I don't feel as if I had to even wait for it. I love it as my main dish but my DS won't eat anything healthy so he won't even try it DH will eat it as a side dish so I have the whole thing pretty much to myself lol. I eat on it for days as my main meal for supper and lunch or a late night snack. Now if I can find more recipes with two cheap ingredients this easy to put together I'd be in healthy heaven! I usually do this or egg white spinach omelet so in need of more !!