How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
/I love winter squash… acorn, hubbard, butternut, buttercup (my favorite), golden nugget, sweet dumpling, and the list goes on. Winter squash are Foundational Filling Foods, they’re excellent for weight-loss, they’re comforting, hearty, beautiful and sweetly delicious (learn more about winter squash here).
But spaghetti squash is in a world of its own. No other can compete. Why? Well it’s name says it all. Once you cook spaghetti squash and pull at its flesh with a fork, it looks and feels just like spaghetti, but it's a filling vegetable!
I want you to take advantage of this super simple and delicious winter squash… I want you to make it! Here’s how to do just that.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Step 2: Using a large chef’s knife, slice the spaghetti squash in half length wise.
Step 3: Scoop seeds out with spoon and discard.
Step 4: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat.
Step 5: Season squash with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Place both squash halves flesh side up on pan and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
Step 7: Remove from oven, flip over so flesh side is down and bake for another 20 minutes.
Step 8: Remove from oven and test to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked. To test, pierce with a paring knife and if there’s little resistance, it’s done! If not, continue to bake for 10 minutes increments until done. It should like like this when done…
Step 9: Turn into pasta! Take a fork, and pull at the flesh of the squash. Careful, as it's still hot. Shreds of squash pasta will form. Transfer to a bowl and enjoy plain or top with your favorite sauce.
We topped our spaghetti squash off with doctored up jarred marinara. We sautéed julienned onion and pepper in veg stock before adding them to the marinara. Then we ripped up a few kalamata olives and tossed them in the sauce with a bay leaf. It’s important to eat dark leafy greens every day so we clipped some kale from our garden and sautéed it with garlic, veg stock and lemon. Here’s how it came out. It was delicious!
Know there’s numerous ways to bake spaghetti squash, this just happens to be our favorite.
Take Control Now Challenge
Share your favorite way to eat spaghetti squash OR buy a spaghetti squash and cook this week. It’s yummy plain, or add your favorite vegan marinara or Bolognese sauce. Share your insights by clicking ‘comment’ below.