Garlic & Herb Spaghetti Squash

12/17/2014

Garlic & Herb Spaghetti Squash

Finally! After a little hiatus from cooking, working, grocery shopping, and hanging in the kitchen, I'm back and ready to cook up a storm. I scampered off for a little while to do a few major things in my life, including getting married and honeymooning! I have to say, it's been the best, happiest time in my life. But, between the honeymoon (hellooo breakfast buffet & cinnamon french toast every morning), Thanksgiving, and holiday treats everywhere I turn, there's been a LOT of indulging lately! It's time to get back to the healthy WeekNight Bite way of life. And what better way to come back than with one of the best veggies of the season - Spaghetti Squash!

Yep. This big, bright yellow squash may look a little intimidating. You may wonder how you'd turn that thing into dinner. But I'm telling you, it's beyond easy! It doesn't even require a Spiralizer or any fancy tools! First, let me fill you in on why you want to eat this for dinner. Spaghetti squash is only 40 calories per cup, compared to regular spaghetti at 220 cals. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Major plus - this big squash only cost me $0.99 and it made two huge servings! What's better than that! Spaghetti Squash has a very mild flavor, which is great because you can make it taste however you'd like - add tomato sauce, meat sauce, even curry sauces. My favorite way to do it though, is this simple recipe. It's a total breeze and your dinner will be done within an hour. Healthy, fast, affordable, and delish - who's with me!?

Ingredients
1 medium Spaghetti Squash
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves of garlic (or 3 frozen Dorot garlic cubes)
3 frozen basil cubes
2 tbsp chopped italian flat-leaf parsley
2 tbsp basil (chopped/chiffonade)
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
2 tbsp freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste

Method
1. Preheat oven to 375. Pierce spaghetti squash a few times with a paring knife or a fork. Bake squash
on a baking sheet for 40-50 minutes or until a sharp knife pierces easily through the skin. (You don't 
want to over cook it as the squash will get mushy). 
2. In the meantime, chop the fresh basil and parsley, and toast pine nuts on the stove until golden. 
When the squash is ready, carefully remove it from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
3. Cut squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out all the seeds.

4. Using a fork, scrape lengthwise to create spaghetti-like strands. Transfer spaghetti strands
to a separate bowl. (If the squash is too hard to scrape, you may return it back to the oven 
for another 5-10 minutes.)

5. Heat a large saucepan or a stockpot on the stove with butter and frozen garlic and basil cubes.
Once combined, add spaghetti squash strands. Season with salt and pepper, add Parmesan
as desired and toss well. At the very end, add basil and parsley (leaving a bit for garnish) and 
give it one more toss.
6. Garnish with remaining basil and parsley, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. 
7. Serve & guiltlessly indulge!!

Ahh it's good to be back in the kitchen whipping up healthy meals. Although I do miss the honeymoon french toast diet. Sigh. 

You may have noticed in the end of the video, I'm having an identity crisis and can't say my new name without laughing. Practice makes perfect, right?!

Have a great week!