Let's talk about Spaghetti Squash!
Spaghetti squash is a winter squash. When cooked, it's flesh breaks apart into spaghetti-like strands.
Spaghetti squash is a great way to cut the carbohydrate content of a pasta dish. But if I'm going to be really honest with you, I like spaghetti squash because it's kinda fun. You know that fun you get from really simple things…like squash looking like noodles? Yeah, that kind of fun!
Here's guide for buying and cooking spaghetti squash:
Spaghetti squash is a winter squash. When cooked, it's flesh breaks apart into spaghetti-like strands.
Spaghetti squash is a great way to cut the carbohydrate content of a pasta dish. But if I'm going to be really honest with you, I like spaghetti squash because it's kinda fun. You know that fun you get from really simple things…like squash looking like noodles? Yeah, that kind of fun!
Here's guide for buying and cooking spaghetti squash:
Buying Guide:
In the grocery store you can find spaghetti squash near the other types of squash. It has an oblong shape and is creamy yellow in colour. Choose one that is firm, free of spots, and feels heavy for it’s size.
In the grocery store you can find spaghetti squash near the other types of squash. It has an oblong shape and is creamy yellow in colour. Choose one that is firm, free of spots, and feels heavy for it’s size.
Cooking Spaghetti Squash:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Wash the outside of the squash.
Step 2: Decide on a cooking technique.
There are a few different options: Oven roasting takes 45-60 minutes, while microwaving takes 10-12 minutes.
Oven Roasting Option
Cooking time: 45-60 minutes
The biggest challenge to cooking spaghetti squash is cutting the darn thing in half. Spaghetti squash is notoriously difficult to cut because it is really hard. If you have a large knife and a good bit of arm strength, you can cut the squash in half before cooking. If you'd like to play it safe and ensure all fingers make it out of the process unharmed, you can pop the whole squash in the oven and cut it in half once it is cooked.
a) Cutting the squash in half before roasting:
1. With a large knife, cut the squash in half and scoop out the guts and seeds.
2. Place the squash face down in a roasting pan. I like to add a small amount of water at the bottom of the pan to keep the squash moist (about 3-4 Tbsp depending on how big your roasting pan is).
3. Bake the squash at 400°F for about 45 minutes (or until the flesh is easily pierced with a knife). You're ready for Step 3!
b) Roasting the squash whole (un-cut):
1. With a knife, pierce/stab the squash in at least 8 places. These deep piercings help the steam escape when cooking. If you happen to leave this step out you run the risk of your squash exploding all over your oven. Nobody should have to deal with that mess - so don't forget this step!
2. Pop the squash into the oven at 400°F and let cook for about an hour (or until the squash can be easily pierced with a fork or knife).
3. Once cooked, let the squash cool for 5 or 10 minutes. The longer you can wait, the better.
4. With a large knife, carefully cut the squash in half. The inside of the squash is hot and steam may be ready to escape, so be very careful when cutting it open. If you have oven gloves this would be a great time to use them. Otherwise, use a clean dish cloth to help protect you from the heat.
5. Scoop out the guts and seeds - you're ready for Step 3!
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Wash the outside of the squash.
Step 2: Decide on a cooking technique.
There are a few different options: Oven roasting takes 45-60 minutes, while microwaving takes 10-12 minutes.
Oven Roasting Option
Cooking time: 45-60 minutes
The biggest challenge to cooking spaghetti squash is cutting the darn thing in half. Spaghetti squash is notoriously difficult to cut because it is really hard. If you have a large knife and a good bit of arm strength, you can cut the squash in half before cooking. If you'd like to play it safe and ensure all fingers make it out of the process unharmed, you can pop the whole squash in the oven and cut it in half once it is cooked.
a) Cutting the squash in half before roasting:
1. With a large knife, cut the squash in half and scoop out the guts and seeds.
2. Place the squash face down in a roasting pan. I like to add a small amount of water at the bottom of the pan to keep the squash moist (about 3-4 Tbsp depending on how big your roasting pan is).
3. Bake the squash at 400°F for about 45 minutes (or until the flesh is easily pierced with a knife). You're ready for Step 3!
b) Roasting the squash whole (un-cut):
1. With a knife, pierce/stab the squash in at least 8 places. These deep piercings help the steam escape when cooking. If you happen to leave this step out you run the risk of your squash exploding all over your oven. Nobody should have to deal with that mess - so don't forget this step!
2. Pop the squash into the oven at 400°F and let cook for about an hour (or until the squash can be easily pierced with a fork or knife).
3. Once cooked, let the squash cool for 5 or 10 minutes. The longer you can wait, the better.
4. With a large knife, carefully cut the squash in half. The inside of the squash is hot and steam may be ready to escape, so be very careful when cutting it open. If you have oven gloves this would be a great time to use them. Otherwise, use a clean dish cloth to help protect you from the heat.
5. Scoop out the guts and seeds - you're ready for Step 3!
Microwave Option
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
If an hour of cooking time is simply too long, you can microwave your squash.
1. With a knife, pierce/stab the squash in at least 8 places. These deep piercings help the steam escape when cooking. If you happen to leave this step out you run the risk of your squash exploding all over your microwave. Nobody should have to deal with that mess - so don't forget this step!
2. Once cooked, let the squash cool for 5 or 10 minutes. The longer you can wait, the better.
3. With a large knife, carefully cut the squash in half. The inside of the squash is hot and steam may be ready to escape, so be very careful when cutting it open. If you have oven gloves this would be a great time to use them. Otherwise, use a clean dish cloth to help protect you from the heat.
4. Scoop out the guts and seeds - you're ready for Step 3!
Step 3: Scrape the flesh
Once the squash is cooked and gutted, take a fork and scrape the flesh of the squash. You will see that it comes loose like noodles. Gather them up and place them in a large dish.
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
If an hour of cooking time is simply too long, you can microwave your squash.
1. With a knife, pierce/stab the squash in at least 8 places. These deep piercings help the steam escape when cooking. If you happen to leave this step out you run the risk of your squash exploding all over your microwave. Nobody should have to deal with that mess - so don't forget this step!
2. Once cooked, let the squash cool for 5 or 10 minutes. The longer you can wait, the better.
3. With a large knife, carefully cut the squash in half. The inside of the squash is hot and steam may be ready to escape, so be very careful when cutting it open. If you have oven gloves this would be a great time to use them. Otherwise, use a clean dish cloth to help protect you from the heat.
4. Scoop out the guts and seeds - you're ready for Step 3!
Step 3: Scrape the flesh
Once the squash is cooked and gutted, take a fork and scrape the flesh of the squash. You will see that it comes loose like noodles. Gather them up and place them in a large dish.
Step 4: Turn it into a meal or side dish
The options of what to do with your spaghetti squash are endless.
You can drizzle with olive oil, garlic, and red chili flakes.
You can toss it in tomato sauce.
You can add it to a casserole.
Here's one of my recipes for Spaghetti Squash Pasta.
Here are some super creative and delicious looking recipes:
Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls
Spaghetti Squash, Quinoa, and Parmesan Fritters
Asparagus Quiche with a Spaghetti Squash Crust
The options of what to do with your spaghetti squash are endless.
You can drizzle with olive oil, garlic, and red chili flakes.
You can toss it in tomato sauce.
You can add it to a casserole.
Here's one of my recipes for Spaghetti Squash Pasta.
Here are some super creative and delicious looking recipes:
Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls
Spaghetti Squash, Quinoa, and Parmesan Fritters
Asparagus Quiche with a Spaghetti Squash Crust
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