That is hands-down one of the best ways to prepare dinner spaghetti squash. You chop it into rings, roast it up and the result’s lengthy, pasta-like strands that aren’t watery!
Let’s speak about how one can prepare dinner spaghetti squash! Everybody has this to-go technique, however I’ve been singing the praises of my ring technique for years and I’m satisfied that it’s one of the best ways to prepare dinner spaghetti squash. You get get completely roasted (and flavorful) noddles each time and the most effective half is that the noodles aren’t watery!
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What’s Spaghetti Squash?
Let’s again wayyy up… what the heck is spaghetti squash? It’s a yellow, oval formed squash that’s in season within the fall and winter months. When cooked, you may shred the insides into lengthy, noodle-like strands. Therefore the identify: spaghetti squash. The feel is a tiny bit extra fibrous than pasta, however makes an important substitute for normal spaghetti noodles like on this spaghetti squash baked feta pasta.
HOW TO COOK SPAGHETTI SQUASH VIDEO
Components Wanted For Cooking Spaghetti Squash
You don’t want a lot for cooking spaghetti squash, only a few easy components.
- spaghetti squash – you’ll want one medium/giant spaghetti squash
- olive oil – for roasting
- salt and pepper – for seasoning
How one can Lower Spaghetti Squash
Very first thing first, earlier than you even get to the cooking half, it’s important to reduce it. I’ll be sincere and say I don’t love reducing spaghetti squash, however it’s a lot simpler when you’ve got a big, sharp knife. We’ve a Shun chef’s knife that I really like.
In relation to which solution to reduce spaghetti squash there are two most important methods – widthwise and lengthwise. I used to chop my squash lengthwise on a regular basis till I spotted that the squash’s strands run horizontally in circles across the within the squash and if you happen to reduce it widthwise into rings you get longer spaghetti strands. And the rings assist cut back moisture as nicely so the squash isn’t watery after it’s executed roasting.
After all, there are particular recipes (like my spaghetti squash lasagna bowls and spaghetti squash tuna noodle casserole bowls) that require reducing the squash lengthwise, however I want reducing it widthwise if I’m not making bowls!
After reducing, spaghetti squash is admittedly easy to prepare dinner!
Brittany’s Suggestions For Slicing Spaghetti Squash!
- Use a pointy knife: That is key! Be sure you’re utilizing a big, sharp knife when reducing spaghetti squash.
- Soften it first: In the event you don’t have a pointy knife or your squash is simply too laborious to chop, you should use a fork to poke a number of small holes within the squash after which microwave it for about 5 minutes to melt the squash a bit and make the method slightly simpler.
- Use a sturdy reducing board: Be certain to make use of a reducing board that’s sturdy and doesn’t tend to maneuver round whereas reducing.
Step by Step Course of for Cooking Spaghetti Squash
Step 1: Slice ends off the squash, then reduce widthwise into rings. Attempt to make the rings about the identical dimension, round 1½ inches thick.
Step 2: Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and place squash rings on rimmed baking sheet. Use arms to coat every ring with slightly olive oil, salt and pepper.
Step 3: Bake at 400°F for 30-40 minutes, flipping rings as soon as about quarter-hour in.
Step 4: Permit to chill for about quarter-hour, then peel the pores and skin away and separate the strands into lengthy spaghetti noodles utilizing a fork.
Different Methods To Cook dinner Spaghetti Squash (that aren’t fairly nearly as good)
Like I’ve talked about, the ring technique is my favourite solution to prepare dinner spaghetti squash, however there are actually different methods to prepare dinner it that may come in useful relying on how a lot time you’ve got and what tools you’ve got entry to.
1. Bake/Roast
Roasted Complete: This technique could be the simplest, as a result of the prep is so minimal, however I don’t love this technique as a result of it takes a very long time and the squash is kind of steamed which ends up in moist/watery strands. Preheat your oven to 375°F levels. Use a knife to prick a number of holes within the squash. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes (flipping half method by way of). You’ll know the squash is completed when it feels tender when pierced with a knife. Let squash cool earlier than reducing it open, scooping out seeds and separating the strands.
Lower Lengthwise and Roasted: This technique works nice if you happen to’re making spaghetti squash bowls or boats, however it’s not my go-to since you’ll get shorter strands and the squash is a bit moist or watery. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice your spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Flip your halves over so the reduce aspect is on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes. You already know your squash is completed when you may press within the pores and skin pretty simply. Take away from the oven and let cool for about quarter-hour after which use a fork to scrape out/shred the internal half, making “spaghetti noodles”.
2. Microwave
That is my least favourite choice, however if you happen to’re in a pinch you should use your microwave to prepare dinner spaghetti squash. Slice your squash in half, lengthwise or widthwise. Scoop out the seeds and place the reduce aspect down in a microwave-safe dish. Fill the dish with about 1 inch of water. Microwave on excessive for 10-12 minutes or till you may press into the pores and skin pretty simply. Take away and let cool for about quarter-hour after which use a fork to scrape out/shred the internal half, making “spaghetti noodles”. Simply be aware that your squash might be cooked however it’ll possible be watery and gained’t have as a lot taste as roasted spaghetti squash.
3. Instantaneous Pot
In the event you occur to have an Instantaneous Pot and wish to do this technique, take a look at my publish for how one can prepare dinner spaghetti squash within the Instantaneous Pot.
Methods to Use Spaghetti Squash
There are such a lot of other ways to get pleasure from cooked spaghetti squash! You may serve it plain as a aspect with just a bit salt and pepper, use it as a pasta substitute or make a casserole together with your favourite veggies, sauce and protein of selection. Listed below are some concepts so that you can strive:
How one can Retailer
- To retailer: Place any leftover cooked squash in an hermetic container and retailer within the fridge for as much as 5 days.
- To freeze: Let the squash cool utterly then switch the noodles to freezer-safe baggage. To stop the squash from freezer burn, you’ll wish to squeeze as a lot air as potential out of the luggage.
- To reheat: I’ve discovered that one of the best ways to reheat leftover spaghetti squash is both within the microwave or over a skillet on the stovetop. Simply warmth till heat all through.
Incessantly Requested Questions
I’d say sure! Spaghetti squash is low in energy, containing about 42 energy in a single cup cooked. It additionally incorporates a small quantity of carbohydrates, 10 grams, and a great quantity of fiber, 2.2 grams or 9 % of your day by day wants. When substituting spaghetti squash for pasta it can save you about 170 energy and 30 grams of carbs in a one cup serving!
Don’t hate me for this reply, however it doesn’t actually have a ton of taste. Though, I do suppose it has slightly little bit of sweetness to it. It’s wonderful as a sub for pasta as a result of it lets no matter sauce you’re utilizing shine. You will get loopy together with your sauce flavorings and know that the spaghetti squash will really be a base and never impart an excessive amount of taste.
Completely! Simply let the cooked squash cool utterly earlier than transferring the noodles to freezer-safe baggage. To stop the squash from freezer burn, you’ll wish to squeeze as a lot air as potential out of the luggage.
The squash ought to hold for as much as 7-8 months within the freezer. Once you’re prepared to make use of your squash you may switch from the freezer to the fridge to thaw till you’re able to reheat, however if you happen to don’t have time to thaw the squash, that’s okay — frozen spaghetti squash could be reheated shortly within the microwave, a steamer basket and even sautéed on the stovetop.
Extra Vegetable Recipes to Strive
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