Spaghetti Squash is so good and so many people have never tried it. It is extremely versatile and as a bonus winter squashes such as Spaghetti, Pumpkin, Acorn as well as Butternut are all sources of Carotene and vitamins B6, B1, C, Fiber and Potassium.
The first time I had Spaghetti Squash my Auntie Marie made it and since then I have taken it in a few different directions. I like to make Spaghetti Squash in the image of other popular dishes like Yes.... Angel Hair N Garlic, Lo Mien, or traditional Pasta and Sauce (Gravy for the old school)
I hope you enjoy these ideas...They are not as specific as recipes because I rarely do the same thing twice, but I think you will do just fine. For the same reason you will notice there are many variations within the variations. I get carried away.
First things first.
Cook the Spaghetti Squash
- Cut it in half the long way
- Scoop out the seeds and chuck them or roast them like Pumpkin seeds if you have time
- Fill the middle of the Spaghetti Squash with water
- Microwave or bake pool side up until you can pull squash away from the skin with a fork like Spaghetti strands. Usually 15 minutes or so.
- Empty any remaining water.
Do this for all versions of the following dishes.
I'll start with an abstract of my Aunts version of Spaghetti Squash.
Garlic & Angel Hair
Simple.
- Saute Garlic and Olive oil in a pan with a little sea salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Add some halved grape tomatoes
- Fork all of the Spaghetti Squash out of it's skin into a bowl
- Pour the Garlic and Olive Oil over the squash and mix til it's all coated
- Add grated Romano as you wish
The rest is according to taste.
Add what you like Steamed or Sauteed
To taste Options: Shrimp, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Spinach, Sun dried Tomatoes, Capers, Artichoke hearts (un marinated).
They sell Frozen un marinated artichoke hearts at Trader Joes for $1.99
Yeah that's "Wicked" cheap.
This version is really good also as a cold salad.
Pasta & Sauce
Marinara.
Saute Olive Oil and Garlic (The amount? Less if I have a date...more If not)
Red Pepper flakes if you want it spicy like Fra Diavalo
Sauce: Puree in the blender ground peeled tomatoes fresh or from a can
Add to pan. . Doctor it up with more Olive Oil, Bay leaf to rid bitterness and acid, Sugar, sea salt to your liking and a splash of red wine if you like it. Simmer til you like how it tastes. 20 to 30 min if your patient enough.
If your not picky you can always open a jar.
To Taste options: Basil, Capers, Carrot, Ricotta Cheese.
Fish options: Sauteed Calamari, Shrimp, Tuna
Meat options: Sauteed Ground Turkey, Sirloin, or Buffalo
* For meat options saute onions & garlic first....add meat...drain and continue.
Lo Mien
I steam my veggies of choice first.
Start with Sesame oil, Coconut oil or Olive oil and of course Garlic.
Saute hmmm...maybe some
Broccoli
Snap Peas
Onion
Carrots
Water Chestnuts
Fresh Ginger
With some Sea Salt and Gluten Free Soy Sauce (San-J Organic Gluten Free Wheat free Tamari Soy)
I then usually crack an egg or 2 right in there and then add the spaghetti squash.
Stir it up. Done.
Meat Options: Steak, Chicken, Pork
Fish Options: Shrimp
Other: Tofu
To Taste Options: Pineapple, Orange Juice, Cilantro, Coconut milk, Chili paste, Cashews, Peanut Butter....maybe not all together....but as you wish : )
In general to any of these.....
For
Vegan: add TofuVegetarian: Add Shrimp or Tuna
Carnivore: Add Chicken, Beef, Turkey or Buffalo
So that's about it.
Enjoy the ideas and just play around.
Do everything according to your likes and dislikes ...If you follow your taste buds you can't really mess up.
Don't take it so serious and just eat what you like.
: )
