Hearty harvest: Cooking with spaghetti squash
What's the story
Spaghetti squash is a culinary chameleon, capable of transforming into a multitude of delicious dishes.
Its claim to fame is its stringy texture, which magically morphs into spaghetti-like strands when cooked - hence the name! This unique feature makes it a low-carb superstar, stepping in as a healthier swap for pasta in many recipes.
We have compiled five exciting ways to enjoy spaghetti squash. Prepare for a flavor adventure!
Taco filling
Transform your taco night
Instead of the usual tortillas or shells, opt for spaghetti squash as your taco base.
Simply roast until tender, then shred into strands with a fork.
Mix these with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning for a nutritious and delicious filling.
This not only adds a fun twist to taco night but also significantly increases the fiber content of your meal.
Chili topper
A cozy companion for chili
Spaghetti squash brings a unique crunch and subtle sweetness to chili dishes.
Simply roast the squash, separate it into strands, and sprinkle it on top of your favorite chili recipe like a fresh, vibrant garnish.
This squash's mild flavor complements vegetarian chilis perfectly, adding a satisfying crunch to balance the dish's hearty texture.
Pasta alternative
Reinvent classic pasta dishes
If you're trying to cut back on carbs or just want a fun alternative to pasta, spaghetti squash is your new best friend.
Roast it up, shred it into noodle-y strands, and top it with marinara, pesto, or Alfredo sauce - just like regular pasta!
Grilled veggies or cheese add extra yumminess without the heaviness of regular noodles.
Breakfast twist
Savory squash pancakes
Step aside potato pancakes; spaghetti squash pancakes are the new breakfast game-changer.
Simply mix cooked spaghetti squash strands with flour (or almond meal for a gluten-free option), chopped onions, salt, and pepper to create the pancake batter.
Fry spoonfuls in olive oil until golden brown on both sides.
Serve warm with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a deliciously savory start to your day.
Dessert innovation
Sweeten your dessert game
Spaghetti squash can even be incorporated into desserts, similar to how carrot cake benefits from carrots.
When baked spaghetti squash is incorporated into muffins or bread, it adds moisture without contributing excessive sweetness.
For a more unique dessert, combine pureed spaghetti squash with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, flour, sugar, baking powder, and oil.
This creates a lower-calorie treat compared to many conventional sweets.