Five Ingredient Feast: Decadent Spaghetti Squash

by Suzannah Schneider

What if I told you I knew of a magic vegetable? A vegetable high in beta carotene, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin A, and potassium. A vegetable that could be popped in the oven for an hour, cut open, and devoured immediately.

What if I told you this vegetable is basically pasta? Filling, hearty, soothing and delicious.

Friends, meet the spaghetti squash. I had no idea this vegetable existed until a family dinner at Ruby Tuesday. I ordered the side of Roasted Spaghetti Squash, topped with marinara sauce. Little did I know I was in for a scrumptious bowl of noodle-like vegetable. Could it be that this seemingly rich treat was low calorie, low cost, and has no carbs? Oh, happy day!

Fortunately, spaghetti squash is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply pierce the football-sized vegetable with a knife, place it in the oven on a baking sheet at 400°, and roast for an hour. Then cut in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and fibers. If you’re super hungry you can just eat the strands of squash out of the shell with a fork. Or you can use your manners and put the “noodles” in a big bowl and share with friends, as you would for pasta.

I don’t mind eating this tasty treat all on its own, but here’s a simple and satisfying way to enjoy this vegetable.

**Recipe**

Moroccan Spaghetti Squash
Serves 2-4
Adapted from Eat Drink Better

Ingredients
1 spaghetti squash
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/8 teaspoon or more cayenne
Salt to taste
4 tablespoons raisins or currants
Half a 15-oz. can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained

Preheat the oven to 400°. Pierce the spaghetti squash with a knife, and place it in the oven on a baking sheet for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until aromatic, about a minute. Stir in spices, salt, raisins, and chickpeas, and remove from heat.

Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds and fiber. Pull out “noodles” with a fork.

Mix spaghetti squash with the spiced oil mixture. Enjoy!

Variations
Keep it light with some olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper
Sauce it up with marinara or alfredo
Sweeten with cinnamon and a bit of brown sugar (you can even add marshmallows to really indulge!)
Go gourmet with parmesan, parsley, cilantro, and hazelnuts
Try adding… roasted garlic, butter, or fresh basil!

Suzannah Schneider is a junior at Tulane University and is making great use of her first real kitchen. She enjoys trying new vegetables, cooking for friends, and eating vegan cookie batter by the spoonful.

Recipe Index Keywords:

Categories: Blog, Campus Cooking, Eating, Featured, Healthy Recipes, and Recipes.
Cooking Method: In the Oven and On the Stove.
Mealtime: Dinner.
I Don't Have Any: Money and Space.
I'm Cooking For...: Easy Dinner and Myself.
Type of Food: Sides, Vegetarian, and Vegetarian Main.
I Don't Eat: Any Animal Products, Dairy, and Gluten.