Many of you, I am sure, are at least aware that there is a winter squash called "spaghetti squash." It gets this interesting name because when it is cooked, you can remove the flesh of the squash with a fork and it looks a lot like spaghetti. Being a winter squash, it keeps well on the kitchen counter. Most groceries in the USA carry it throughout the winter. The price can vary, but it is a wonderful meal if you like it... which I do... Very Much. By the way, it is also easy to grow in your own garden.
The flavor is very mild and slightly sweet. It really doesn't taste anything like spaghetti, but it has somewhat the same texture and appearance. I like to eat it with some butter and grated cheese, and also, instead of cooking pasta (which isn't really a healthy choice - too highly processed) I use it topped with my own homemade marinara sauce.
To cook a spaghetti squash, cover it with water in a pot, bring it to a boil and simmer until a knife inserted goes in easily, once you get past the tough skin. Then, drain the squash, and let it cool for a while. That way you won't get burned when you are preparing it for the table.
Next, cut it in half, long-ways, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, and then a fork to shred the flesh of the squash.
That's it! Once it is ready, you can serve it immediately or refrigerate it and re-heat later. If you want to add it to soup, just put it in when you are serving the soup, so it won't cook to mush.
If you are a lover of vegetables, give spaghetti squash a try!
We roasted one last night, all we have to do is cut it open and remove the sees. I think I will serve it very plain this first time. Maybe a touch of olive oil, a little garlic salt and some Parmesan cheese.
ReplyDeleteRoasting it is a good idea! Particularly if I were going to bake something else as well. Enjoy!
DeleteThis is a squash that we never really used until last year. We were given a couple and found that they are very good keepers. Served with a hearty spaghetti sauce, it was really tasty. We have several in storage right now for later in the winter.
ReplyDeleteI like it that way too. I had heard of them a long time ago, but never tried them until just a few years ago. What I've been missing!
DeleteHow long does it take to boil? I usually cut it in half & scoop out the seeds, then steam both halves for about 45 minutes.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the size of the squash. The one I cooked took about that long - 45 minutes, but I didn't weigh it. I just kept checking it, after about 1/2 hour to see when it was tender. I would like to try doing it in a Crock Pot one day, as well, but of course, I'd have to plan ahead for that one!
DeleteI'd also like to try it in a pressure cooker, but that will come in a year when I grow them and have plenty. I would hate to waste one that I bought at a store.
DeleteSometimes I make this as a pasta replacement. I don't really like it otherwise, it's too stringy, but with pasta sauce it's good.
ReplyDelete