Name: Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 Spaghetti Squash (You can also cook just 1 as well); Olive oil (Just enough to spread over the spaghetti squash)

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Looking for an easy and delicious way to incorporate more squash into your meals? Look no further than this Spaghetti Squash Recipe! Perfect for the fall season, this recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of spaghetti without gluten. Spaghetti squash is an excellent alternative to traditional pasta and a popular choice for those looking for a healthier option. Although if you are looking for some delicious homemade vegan noodles you will love this recipe.

In this article, we’ll not only share a mouth-watering vegan recipe but also discuss the best ingredients and substitutions, so you can get the most out of this nutritious vegetable. So, let’s get started!

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What is Spaghetti Squash?

Spaghetti squash is a winter squash that gets its name from the fact that when cooked, its flesh separates into long, thin strands that resemble spaghetti noodles. This makes it a popular low-carb and gluten-free alternative to pasta. It is also a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.

What Type of Squash Can You Use?

When it comes to making this Easy Spaghetti Squash Recipe, the main ingredient you’ll need is the spaghetti squash itself. Also known as vegetable spaghetti or noodle squash, spaghetti squash is an oblong winter squash that’s perfect for this dish.

In this recipe, we use yellow winter squashes, which can range in color from ivory to yellow to orange. The orange variety is particularly high in carotenes and has a high number of seeds in the middle. It has vivid yellow or orange flesh, which not only adds color to your dish but also provides added nutritional benefits.

Spaghetti squash is a colorful and versatile winter vegetable that has a mellow nutty flavor and an outstanding nutritional profile. It is closely related to pumpkin, zucchini, and other varieties of squash.

Ingredients & Substitutions For This Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Spaghetti Squash: Obviously, it is the star of the dish, and you’ll need one medium-sized squash to make this recipe.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for roasting the squash and adding flavor to the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a little extra kick, red pepper flakes can be added to taste.
Salt and Pepper: These are staple seasonings that every kitchen should have on hand.

Substitutions:

Olive Oil: If you don’t have olive oil on hand, avocado oil, coconut oil, or even vegetable oil can be used instead.
Red Pepper Flakes: If you don’t like spice, skip the red pepper flakes altogether.

Helpful Tools

When it comes to making a delicious spaghetti squash recipe, having the right cooking equipment is essential. The oven is the heart of the cooking process, and a good quality cooking sheet is necessary to roast the squash to perfection. The cooking sheet comes in a variety of materials, sizes, and styles, so make sure to choose one that suits your needs. A rimmed sheet is more versatile, while a rimless sheet is ideal for foods that need to slide off easily. Whatever sheet you choose, make sure to take good care of it to ensure it lasts for years to come.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash: A Step-by-Step Guide

Spaghetti squash is a versatile and healthy alternative to traditional pasta. With its low-calorie count and high fiber content, it’s no wonder why it’s become a popular choice among health-conscious individuals.

Step 1:

Prep the Squash To prepare the spaghetti squash, start by washing it and cutting off both ends using a sharp knife. This will make it easier to cut the squash in half. Be careful when handling the squash as it can be quite tough to cut. To prevent slipping, place a wet paper towel under your cutting board.

Step 2:

Remove the Seeds Once the squash is cut in half, use a spoon to remove the seeds and pulp from the center. You can save the seeds and roast them later for a tasty and nutritious snack.

Step 3:

Drizzle with Olive Oil Drizzle a little bit of olive oil on the inside of each half. You don’t need to use a lot, just enough to coat the inside of the squash. This will help to keep the squash moist while baking.

Step 4:

Bake the Squash Place the squash halves face down on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes. The squash is ready when a fork can easily pierce through the skin.

Step 5:

Remove the Squash from the Skin Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Using a fork, scrape the flesh of the squash away from the skin. It will come out in long strands, resembling spaghetti noodles.

Step 6:

Serve and Enjoy Serve the spaghetti squash as a pasta noodle replacement with your favorite sauce or as a side dish. You can also experiment with different toppings and seasonings to suit your tastes.

Spaghetti Squash Recipe on cooking sheet

Tips & Tricks For Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Choose a ripe spaghetti squash: Look for a squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and has a uniform color. Avoid squash with soft spots, cracks, or mold.
Wash the squash before cutting: Even though you won’t eat the skin, it’s still a good idea to wash the squash before cutting it to avoid transferring any bacteria from the skin to the flesh.
Cut the squash lengthwise: Use a sharp knife to cut the squash lengthwise from stem to end. Be careful not to cut yourself, as the skin can be tough.
Scoop out the seeds and fibers: Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and fibers from the center of the squash. You can discard them or save them to roast later.
Season the squash: Drizzle the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. This will help enhance the flavor of the squash.
Roast the squash: Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast at 400°F for 33-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the edges are lightly browned.
Use a fork to scrape the flesh: Once the squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. You can serve the spaghetti squash as is, or use it as a base for other recipes.

FAQs: Spaghetti Squash Recipe

What Is The Easiest Way To Cook Spaghetti Squash?

The easiest way to cook spaghetti squash is to pierce the squash a few times with a fork, microwave it for 5-10 minutes until soft, then cut it in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and roast it in the oven for 20-30 minutes at 400°F.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Spaghetti Squash In The Oven?

It takes about 30-45 minutes to cook spaghetti squash in the oven at 400°F.

Can You Cook Spaghetti Squash In The Microwave?

Yes, you can cook spaghetti squash in the microwave. Pierce the squash with a fork a few times, microwave it for 5-10 minutes until soft, then cut it in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and serve.

How do you make spaghetti squash noodles not watery?

To make spaghetti squash noodles not watery, you can sprinkle salt on the cut side of the squash and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, blot the excess moisture with paper towels before roasting it in the oven or cooking it on the stove.

Can you freeze cooked spaghetti squash?

Yes, you can freeze cooked spaghetti squash. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.

How Long Does Spaghetti Squash Last In The Fridge?

The easy spaghetti squash recipe can last approximately 6 to 7 days in the fridge. You can reheat it in a pan or in the oven.

How Long Does Uncooked Spaghetti Squash Last?

One of the great things about spaghetti squash is that it can last for quite some time when stored properly. Whole raw spaghetti squash can be kept for up to two months in a dry, cool environment such as a pantry or root cellar, with a temperature range between 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. When you’re ready to use it, simply wash it thoroughly and follow the recipe instructions. It’s an ideal ingredient to have on hand for a quick and easy meal, as it has a long shelf life and can be used in many ways. It’s important to keep in mind that once spaghetti squash is cut or cooked, it will have a shorter shelf life. Cooked spaghetti squash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container and cut spaghetti squash should be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.