SPAGHETTI SQUASH: It's a squash that thinks it's spaghetti. But how do it know? Who the heck cares. Pasta lovers, meet your new best friend. Look for it in the winter squash section of your grocery store. It's oblong, slightly smaller than a football, and pale yellow in color.
To prepare, cut the squash in half lengthwise. (And please be careful doing this. Winter squash are very firm.) Wrap up one half and put it in the fridge for another time. Scoop the seeds out of the other half and place it flesh side up in a microwave-safe dish. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the dish, then cover the whole thing with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for about 10 minutes, or until the flesh is fork tender. Remove the plastic wrap and allow it to cool enough to handle. Then hold it firmly, drag a fork from top to bottom lengthwise, and out comes -- hocus pocus dominocus -- SPAGHETTI! Go figure. And what do you do with that spaghetti? Whatever you do with regular pasta. Top it with marinara sauce, clam sauce, or olive oil, or add protein and vegetables for a complete meal.
Here are a few of my favorites:
1) Add diced cooked chicken and sauteed mushrooms and onions. (Pour the juice from the saute pan over the squash.)
2) Add canned tuna, roasted red peppers, and peas. (Drizzle some of the water or oil from the tuna over the squash.)
3) Add cold cooked shrimp, shredded uncooked carrots and cabbage, soy sauce or ponzu sauce, and hot pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce (if you like a little heat).
One cup of cooked spaghetti squash has about 40 calories, compared to regular pasta, which contains almost 200 for the same serving. In addition, the squash provides vitamins, fiber, and far fewer carbohydrates. Enough said.
Any other ideas? Please leave a comment! (Look for the instructions in red after all the articles.)
8 comments:
love the spaghetti squash with all your favorite sauces, meat or meatless, also just little butter butter and pepper along side a piece of grill chicken, yum yum
OK...I have to admit that I don't know what Ponzu sauce is! Should I know about it?
Barb, if you enjoy Asian flavors, you're in for a treat! Ponzu is a low-sodium soy sauce flavored with citrus. Kikkoman makes a good one with either lemon or lime that contains only 360 mgs. of sodium per tablespoon, just a fraction of some regular soy sauces. Plus, it has a light, tangy citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the salty heaviness of some Asian dishes. I use it as a dipping sauce for my daily bowl of greens, and I've even made a version at home by diluting light soy sauce slightly with water, then adding lemon juice and a few slivers of lemon rind, and letting the whole thing "stew" for a few days. Enjoy!
I love all your articles! Your sense of humor is marvelous and the hints are wonderful! Thanks so much. Have you considered being a writer? Cheers from chilly Mn.
Ann
Greetings to AnnCraw in MN! (Any snow there yet????) Thanks so much for your lovely comments. Why, yes, I HAVE considered being a writer, but I thought I'd try it out on YOU first. Keep those comments coming, and thanks again!!
Of course I am prejudice, but I couldn't agree more, Ann.
This a.m. it was in the 40s here in Luray, VA. Spagetti squash will be on the menu with homemade red sauce from the garden tomatoes. HURRAH!!!!! However, with your suggestions, Mar my dear, it will be on our table even more frequently. Many thanks for both your suggestions AND taking on this blog. WE, your loyal supporters are the benefactors!!!!!!!
Granny Blogger, you honor me with your sweet words, and you make me VERY happy to still be enjoying temperatures in the 90s! Did you say 40 degrees this morning??? BRRRRRRRRR. Bundle up with that spaghetti squash! Thanks for everything.
Marilyn, I love your blog...so funny and fabulous tips!, jan s. Ps. China trip was WONDERFUL!!!!
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