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Fall Season Feature: Spaghetti Squash

Hello everyone!

One of the reasons I love fall and winter is because it is winter squash season! Not only are winter squashes beautiful home decorations, but they are also delicious foods that can be prepared and consumed in numerous ways. You might see a winter squash roasted, stuffed, in salads, or as a soup just to name a few ways it can be prepared. Although butternut squash is the most common and well known winter squash, there are many other winter squashes that are delicious and versatile as well! For this entry, I will discuss spaghetti squash.

Spaghetti squash (also called vegetable spaghetti or noodle squash) is oval shaped and usually yellow or orange in color. It is unique compared to the other winter squashes in that the flesh is string like, reminding you of spaghetti noodles. Spaghetti squash also contains seeds that can be roasted and eaten. Because spaghetti squash is nutritious and low calorie, there are dishes that use spaghetti squash in lieu of pasta.

Spaghetti squash first became known in China during the 1800s. It eventually made its way to Japan and the rest of the world throughout the 1900s. One cup of spaghetti squash contains 42 calories and is high in fiber, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and manganese. Because spaghetti squash is low in calories and high in fiber, it is a good food to consider for weight maintenance and/or weight loss.

Spaghetti squash can be prepared in various ways, such as boiling, roasting, steaming, or microwaving. Depending on the size of the squash, cooking may take some time. That is why my favorite way of cooking spaghetti squash is microwaving it. To effectively microwave your spaghetti squash, pierce the squash with a knife in several places like you would a potato. Then place your squash in the microwave directly on the disc. Set the cooking time to 5 minutes per every 1 pound the squash weighs. You need to turn the squash halfway throughout the cooking time in order to ensure effective and even cooking. Make sure to wear oven mitts when turning the squash because it will be hot! Once the microwave is done, your squash should be cooked and ready to incorporate into your dish!

Check out some of the ways I like to consume spaghetti squash below!

  • Microwaved and seasoned with butter, salt, pepper, and a dried herb
  • In casseroles with other vegetables and cheese
  • As a pasta substitute in lo mein
  • As the main ingredient in a salad with mushrooms, garlic, and fresh parsley
Spaghetti squash lo mein

Have you ever had spaghetti squash before? What are some of your favorite ways to eat spaghetti squash?

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