The low-carb craze that possessed our country a few years back caused many people to try anything and everything they could to replace carbs in a dish—while still trying to maintain flavor and satisfaction, of course. This led to many highly processed, and sometimes downright bizarre, carb-free foods. But one easy and healthy way to reduce carbs is by using spaghetti squash in place of spaghetti made from flour.
If cooked properly, the "noodles" of spaghetti squash are slightly firm and are great vehicles for many sauces—much like spaghetti made from flour. The key here is cooking the squash properly, though. It's easy to overcook or to separate the noodles while too hot, both of which result in mushy squash.
The recipe below is for your basic roasted spaghetti squash, which you can then dress up with fresh herbs, a light tomato sauce, or even a pesto. My only recommendation is not to overdo it with the sauce. These noodles are a little more delicate than spaghetti and won't hold up under anything too heavy.
Enjoy!
Oven-Roasted Spaghetti Squash
2- to 2 1/2-lb. spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise
3 Tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
•Preheat the oven to 375°F. Scoop out the center of the squash, including the seeds, and discard.
•Place the squash halves face up on a baking sheet, then drizzle the olive oil over the inside of the squash. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
•Place in the oven and cook for about 45 minutes, or until the squash pulls away from the sides easily. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes.
•Use a fork to scoop the strands of "spaghetti" from the squash and place in a medium bowl.
•Add additional seasonings or a sauce and serve.
Makes 3 or 4 side-dish servings
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Comments ( 6 )
I made spaghetti squash for the first time recently. I made a sauce of saute'd garlic, 28 oz crushed tomatoes, tsp salt, dried rosemary, and basil, and a rinsed can of chickpeas, simmered together for "a while".
Posted by Scott Carlson | October 7, 2008 12:43 PM
Posted on October 7, 2008 12:43
Thank you for the tip! I've only had spaghetti squash once and LOVED it. Can't wait to make it! Great post!
Posted by Dutch Oven | October 7, 2008 6:28 PM
Posted on October 7, 2008 18:28
Spaghetti squash + pesto = YUM so good
Posted by SqueakyWheel | October 9, 2008 1:50 PM
Posted on October 9, 2008 13:50
Spaghetti Squash is great..in our house is a favorite except we cook the squash, then use a fork to loosen the spaghetti strands and then mix in the sauce and then cover with soy made cheese and bake again for 15...then we serve the squash as is to the table, and every one can spoon portions right out of the squash. Delicious!
Posted by Carmen | October 13, 2008 2:57 PM
Posted on October 13, 2008 14:57
This really is a fantastic recipe. Add a little tomato sauce and smart ground and you've got a healthy substitute for Spaghetti w/meat sauce. The squash goes great with pesto sauce too.
Posted by Just Smart Living | October 13, 2008 8:00 PM
Posted on October 13, 2008 20:00
I just introduced this to my boyfriend, he rather liked it. But mine was coming out a little "crunchy". I was cutting it in half, and laying it face down in a bit of water before baking it... I'll try your way and see if it comes out better. Thanks!
Posted by Heather Lynn | October 24, 2008 8:54 PM
Posted on October 24, 2008 20:54