Spaghetti Squash — The New (Healthier) ‘Pasta’?
2 Comments | Written on September 4, 2012 at 11:00 am, by Amy Keyishian
You have to try spaghetti squash at least once, just because it’s so cool! Raw, it looks like any squash. Cooked right, it really does fall into strands that imitate its pasta-noodle namesake.
But is it really the same thing, something you’ll be able to effortlessly swap out for actual pasta with nobody noticing? No. Not by a long shot. But it is a neat treat all on its own, and if you avoid falling into the “just pretend it’s pasta” trap many tumbled into in the ’70s, you’ll find yourself with a very cool side dish or vegetarian entree, one that’s much healthier — lower in carbs and fat, and packed with fiber and vitamins — than you-know-what.
If you’re entirely new to the idea of spaghetti squash, here’s a helpful video to show you exactly how it’s supposed to look when you fork it into ribbony submission. But that’s just one method; you can microwave, steam, bake, roast, or even boil your squash, depending on your patience and flavor requirements. Frankly, we like the flavor that comes with roasting, and knowing how good squash is for us, we don’t feel a bit bad about topping it with a bit of olive oil.
So we’ve got a few traditional Italian imitation dishes, tailored to their new ingredient, and they are fab. But don’t stop there. Once you get the hang of it, you can take this super side to China, India, and even to Rosh Hashonah dinner. Seriously!
Saucy Spaghetti Squash Olé
Top it with a hearty, simple meat sauce, and you’ll be wondering why you waited so long to try this dish.
Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
Another traditional treatment, this recipe tells you how to microwave your squash.
Warm Spaghetti Squash Salad
Two reasons we love this one: it’s a warm side with Greek flair, and the recipe explains the boiling method.
Spaghetti Squash with Indian Spices
Just like the name says, this recipe makes for a curried-up side or vegetarian dish.
Spaghetti Squash with Orange Gremolata
A traditional tangy, citrus-y Italian condiment highlights the flavor of the gourd in this dish.
Mock Noodle Kugel
No, seriously: It’s savory kugel, without the noodles! Could you die?
Spaghetti Squash Pork Stir Fry
An Asian treatment allows the squash to sidestep comparison to its Italian namesake.
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Chicken Spaghetti Squash
Very simple, yet hearty enough to let you forget how darn healthy it is.
Still want “real” pasta? Make these great healthy pasta recipes!
Categories:
Dinner Tonight | Tags: Healthy Cooking, Low Carb, Low Fat, Spaghetti, Squash
2 Comments | Post Your Comment
2 Responses to “Spaghetti Squash — The New (Healthier) ‘Pasta’?”
I love fixing the spagetti squash in my spagetti. I don’t even use the pasta anymore. When I roast my squash I chop up garlic and place under the squash on a cookie sheet
My husband, who is 76, has never had spaghetti squash. I just got on this website and found several recipes that he will like, I hope.
We are having it tonight. Pray that he will eat it, or I will be eating spaghetti squash for a month.