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Monday, January 24, 2011

Spaghetti Squash


Spaghetti squash... you are a weird vegetable... people say to sub you for pasta and that you'll never know the difference. I was skeptical... really people... this is going to taste like I'm eating a big bowl of veggies... NOT pasta. Normally I'm in for trying any recipe once, but for some reason I never felt the need to give this one a go. Until last week.

John is actually the one who wanted to try this... wait... John who hates squash... wants to eat spaghetti squash for dinner... Who are you and what have you done with my husband?? I informed him that he wasn't going to like it, and neither was I, but I'd make it for us anyway... and then there would be cereal for dinner once we decided we did indeed hate it.

Full disclosure: I was wrong

It actually tasted good. No it didn't taste like spaghetti, but it had the feel of it, which kinda tricked my brain... I never said I was the sharpest knife in the block. I think the copious amounts of diavola red sauce might have helped though... I mean cover anything in that sauce and it's going to taste good.

So thank you long time work out buddy Krissy for convincing John to try this... and in return making me try it!

Simple and easy to make: Pierce the squash with a sharp knife and bake it for 1 hour on 350 – take it out, let it cool, cut in half, scoop out the seeds and it comes out like angel hair pasta! Add your favorite pasta toppings and chow!

UPDATE: For those short on time:

Renee in Syracuse said...

I make this often, it's my go to diet item in the fall. I typically make the squash in the microwave for a QUICK side. Cut in 1/2 length wise, clean it, invert it in a bake dish with little water on bottom to help steam it and cook till fork tender. Also good with a little fresh grated romano on top!

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29 comments:

  1. CaSaundraLeighJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    I am a huge fan of spaghetti squash--glad you tried it! I actually prefer its nutty flavor to spaghetti noodles.

    ReplyDelete
  2. CedesJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    I turned my DBF on to spaghetti squash a few months ago and he requests it all the time now. I love that it has a sweetness and a little bit of a crunch to it. I feel so much better after eating it than I do after eating pasta. Whenever it is on sale I stock up on it. It freezes pretty well so I'll make a bunch and keep it on hand for impromptu 'spaghetti' dinners!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ty'sMommyJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    I really enjoy spaghetti squash, too. No, its not spaghetti, but I still like it. I toss mine in a skillet with pesto and fresh mozzarella. Yum!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Running RicigJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    I'm not a fan of the spaghetti squash. I think it's the consistency, I can't hack it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Renee in SyracuseJanuary 24, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    I make this often, it's my go to diet item in the fall. I typically make the squash in the microwave for a QUICK side. Cut in 1/2 length wise, clean it, invert it in a bake dish with little water on bottom to help steam it and cook till fork tender. Also good with a little fresh grated romano on top!

    ReplyDelete
  6. stephchowsJanuary 24, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    Who knew I was going to like it!

    Mercedes- how do you freeze it? And how do you thaw it? Does it keep it's texture?

    Hmmm pesto and mozzarella sounds delicious!!

    Renee- ooo thank you so much for the shortcut! I'm totally adding it to the post!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. JeanneJanuary 24, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    My old roomie used to put chili on top of spaghetti squash. It's awesome stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cookin' CanuckJanuary 24, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Steph, I read about your meeting with Tracy on her blog and am so happy to find your blog. I will definitely be back.

    ReplyDelete
  9. HannahJanuary 24, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    I used to eat spaghetti squash all the time, but then sort of forgot about it... I love it tossed in a creamy cashew-dill sauce!

    ReplyDelete
  10. NatalieJanuary 24, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    big fan of spaghetti squash--i haven't had it in way too long! thanks for reminding me :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. CedesJanuary 24, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    I've frozen it two different ways, after cooking I'll eaither put it in a pyrex container and just pop the lid on (usually what I do with whats left after dinner) and if I'm making a whole one ahead of time (cuz some times I forget about it and don't want it to go bad and have to be thrown away), after cooking I'll put two serving sizes into a quart size freezer bag (you get two or three of these from one squash), and squish it flat to get all the air out and make storage easier.

    When you want to eat it you just take it out in the morning and let it thaw through the day. To reheat i put it in a sauce pan with a little bit of water put the top on and let it simmer and steam to heat up.

    ReplyDelete
  12. stephchowsJanuary 24, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    Thanks so much Mercedes!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Meg LubyJanuary 24, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    i have never, ever, heard of this! i want to make it for dinner, where can you buy it!?
    looks awesome :)
    <3 meg
    @clutzycooking.blogspot.com
    @myscribblednotebook.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. stephchowsJanuary 24, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    You can find them in the produce section at the super market, look around where the acorn/butternut/and other various squash are hanging out :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. scrambledhenfruitJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    I love spaghetti squash, but never think about buying it. I'm putting it on my grocery list! :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. VelvaJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    I have used spaghetti squash in place of pasta, and I can confirm that it is delicious. I love it! What a great way to reduce fat and calories without losing the flavor.

    I am still trying to convince my husband (sigh).

    Great post.
    Velva

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    spaghetti squash is definitely very neat, and it is very tasty for sure :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. jenna laughsJanuary 26, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    I love spghetti squash! Yum Yum. My word verification for this comment is "prick" ... isn't that funny?! Anyway... love your site!

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    I adore spaghetti squash. I'm sort of obsessed with squash in general, though. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  20. ReeniJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    I love spaghetti squash!

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    Hi Steph!
    I love your blog and your recipes and chose to award you for the Stylish Blog Award! Here's the link! http://wp.me/p15ytG-nR

    Have fun with it!

    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  22. LeslieFebruary 14, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    Lol..nopt doesnt taste like spaghetti. I love the stuff..a little butte and parmesan cheese! YUM
    Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  23. LeslieMarch 15, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Lol..nopt doesnt taste like spaghetti. I love the stuff..a little butte and parmesan cheese! YUM
    Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  24. VelvaMarch 15, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    I have used spaghetti squash in place of pasta, and I can confirm that it is delicious. I love it! What a great way to reduce fat and calories without losing the flavor.

    I am still trying to convince my husband (sigh).

    Great post.
    Velva

    ReplyDelete
  25. jenna laughsMarch 15, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    I love spghetti squash! Yum Yum. My word verification for this comment is "prick" ... isn't that funny?! Anyway... love your site!

    ReplyDelete
  26. MercedesMarch 15, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    I've frozen it two different ways, after cooking I'll eaither put it in a pyrex container and just pop the lid on (usually what I do with whats left after dinner) and if I'm making a whole one ahead of time (cuz some times I forget about it and don't want it to go bad and have to be thrown away), after cooking I'll put two serving sizes into a quart size freezer bag (you get two or three of these from one squash), and squish it flat to get all the air out and make storage easier.

    When you want to eat it you just take it out in the morning and let it thaw through the day. To reheat i put it in a sauce pan with a little bit of water put the top on and let it simmer and steam to heat up.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Cookin' CanuckMarch 15, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Steph, I read about your meeting with Tracy on her blog and am so happy to find your blog. I will definitely be back.

    ReplyDelete
  28. stephchowsMarch 15, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Who knew I was going to like it!

    Mercedes- how do you freeze it? And how do you thaw it? Does it keep it's texture?

    Hmmm pesto and mozzarella sounds delicious!!

    Renee- ooo thank you so much for the shortcut! I'm totally adding it to the post!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. CaSaundraLeighMarch 15, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    I am a huge fan of spaghetti squash--glad you tried it! I actually prefer its nutty flavor to spaghetti noodles.

    ReplyDelete

Hi everyone thanks so much for stopping by! I love all the comments! :)