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Ingredient Spotlight: Spaghetti Squash

2008_06_24-SpaghSquash1.jpgSpaghetti squash is a cylinder-shaped squash that ranges in color from pale yellow to canary yellow. Do you know why it's called spaghetti squash?

When you cook the squash, the flesh develops threads that resemble spaghetti, and it's long enough that you can twirl them around your fork. Spaghetti squash is a filling, healthy main dish that's simple to prepare. A single 4-oz serving is only 37 calories.

Select squashes that have firm outer shells - no soft spots - and are heavy for their size. There is no taste difference between the colors, but the more orange-colored ones have more beta carotene in them. It's more common to see pale yellow/creamy white ones, though.

Slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds like you would with any winter squash. You can quarter these halves if you like. Add them to the bottom of a large casserole dish (we like using a Romertopf clay baker), sprinkle with salt and pepper, a little olive oil, and bake at 375°F oven approximately 1 hour or until flesh is tender.

2008_06_24-SpaghSquash2.jpg

2008_06_24-SpaghSquash3.jpgServe topped with a little marinara sauce.

Related:
Recipe: Spaghetti Squash with Chunky Tomato Sauce
Virtual CSA Box: Buttercup Squash
Recipe: Basic Tomato Sauce

(Images: Kathryn Hill)

Tags

Ingredients - Vegetables, Main Dish, Vegan, easy, squash, winter squash, healthy, vegetarian, spaghetti squash

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Comments (9)

I love this squash tossed with butter and grated parmesan--as if it were spaghetti!

posted by jen_g on 2008-06-24 15:05:39
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I remember the first time my Aunt Trudy made spaghetti squash for me - I seriously thought it was the most magical vegetable ever!

posted by Marie on 2008-06-24 16:54:32
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Spaghetti squash is one of those things I cook in the microwave for a speedy dinner, too, and from what I can tell, it doesn't compromise the flavor.

posted by OneWallKitchen on 2008-06-24 18:23:41
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I grew up thinking of spaghetti squash exclusively as something sweet--I still occasionally make a couple of jars of spaghetti squash preserve, which I use as filling for little sweet empanadas, or which can be served as a sweet with chopped nuts of some sort. But I have to admit, jen_g's comment has piqued my interest...

posted by anesly on 2008-06-24 19:33:18
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I use it all the time in place of pasta for dishes it's a great low-carb substitute (though who's doing low-carb nowadays)

posted by zumbooruk on 2008-06-25 01:33:42
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cooking these in the microwave is a great time-saver. just make sure to poke some holes to let the steam escape or it will explode! i use a meat fork to pierce the thick skin in several places, and turn it over about halfway through so the sides are cooked evenly.

posted by makyo on 2008-06-25 12:32:35
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The best squash ever!!!!

posted by danze on 2008-06-25 13:03:16
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I'm also a big fan - esp with butter and parmesan as above. It would be good to also have a pic showing the strands maybe?

posted by Lesley - London on 2008-06-25 17:08:42
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I microwave too... cut in half, a little water on the bottom, plastic wrap. 10 min? maybe 15, I can't remember. We love it with pesto. One of our favorite dinners is this with chicken picatta and a green salad. Healthy, too, if you're easy on the butter for the picatta sauce.

posted by loulouie on 2008-06-27 10:32:33
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