~ Spaghetti Squash 101 ~

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
~ Spaghetti Squash 101 ~
32
Sun, 08-22-2004 - 9:13pm

If you've never tried spaghetti squash, you really MUST try it!  Use it when you'd ordinarily serve regular pasta or try a new recipe. 


Here's what it looks like



 






How To Cook Spaghetti Squash



  • Bake It -- Pierce the whole shell several times with a large fork or skewer and place in baking dish. Cook squash in preheated 375°F oven approximately 1 hour or until flesh is tender.
  • Boil It -- Heat a pot of water large enough to hold the whole squash. When the water is boiling, drop in the squash and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on its size. When a fork goes easily into the flesh, the squash is done.
  • Microwave It -- Cut squash in half lengthwise; remove seeds. Place squash cut sides up in a microwave dish with 1/4 cup water. Cover with plastic wrap and cook on high for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on size of squash. Add more cooking time if necessary. Let stand covered, for 5 minutes. With fork "comb" out the strands.
  • Slow Cooker or Crock-Pot - Choose a smaller spaghetti squash (unless you have an extra large slow cooker) so that it will fit. Add 2 cups of water to slow cooker. Pierce the whole shell several times with a large fork or skewer, add to Crock Pot, cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours.

Once the squash is cooked, let it cool for 10 to 20 minutes so it will be easier to handle, before cutting in half (if it wasn't already) and removing the seeds. Pull a fork lengthwise through the flesh to separate it into long strands. (See photos.) You can do these steps ahead of time, then prepare any of the spaghetti squash recipes whenever the mood strikes.

spaghetti squash recipeslow carb recipes, spaghetti squash


 


Lots of recipes 


Spaghetti Squash Casserole.  It is really yummy!


 


 

Other recipes:


 

 

*Do you have a favorite way to eat Spaghetti Squash?  Please share it here!

 

 

 

 

Susan :)

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Sun, 09-19-2004 - 5:40pm

Sara,


I usually microwave my spaghetti squash whole.

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-06-2004
Sun, 09-19-2004 - 5:50pm

Mine ended up watery too after I added the spaghetti sauce and cheese then baked it.

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 09-30-2004 - 10:54pm

Not sure...

Susan :)

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 10-08-2004 - 7:56am

All microwaves are different so I suggest you start out with 5-6 minutes per side before microwaving longer.

Susan :)

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 03-08-2005 - 3:20pm

Bumping this up - I just told a friend how to prepare a spaghetti squash :)


Susan :)

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Mon, 04-11-2005 - 11:05am

Here's a new twist on Spaghetti Squash:


Spaghetti Squash Breakfast Casserole


1/2 spaghetti squash, cooked
4 eggs or egg substitute
8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tbsp minced onions
3-4 tbsp salsa
1/8 cup (2 Tbsp) FF half and half or skim milk
3/4 cup LF cheese, shredded
salt and pepper & few drops hot sauce to taste

Mix all together; pour into 13x9 pan sprayed with non-stick spray
Bake 45 minutes at 350; cut into 8 or so servings

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2005
Wed, 04-13-2005 - 8:39am

Here is another recipe invented last night (don't think this has been done before...)


Mexican Spaghetti Squash Bake


Combine cooked squash with 1/2 jar nsa salsa, 1/2 can black beans and lf shredded cheddar cheese. Bake until heated thru and the cheese is melted. Add more cheese on top and let it melt.


Yum. A great side dish for Mexican recipes!

Image hosted by Photobucket.com
Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 04-15-2005 - 11:26pm

That sounds great Cathy!!!

Susan :)

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 04-15-2005 - 11:28pm
Karen, that sounds so good too!

Susan :)

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2003
Fri, 06-03-2005 - 12:51pm
I found this thread and am curious...I don't have a microwave and most of you talked about microwaving it. I saw on the first post that you can cook it a variety of ways. Has anyone tried it other ways, if so what's the easiest/best alternative to nuking it?