Spaghetti squash: If you have heard about this delicacy for the first time and wonder why it is becoming so popular, you are in the right place. Imagine enjoying pasta from a vegetable; that is what spaghetti squash offers, making it an excellent delicacy for those searching for gluten-free pasta options.
Besides being healthy and nutritious, this meal is tasty and can be eaten by everyone regardless of age, health, or diet goals. It doesn’t matter if you are searching for a delicacy for your child or family or need a meal to help you lose weight; you can never go wrong with these vegetable noodles. Besides, it does not matter whether you cook with an old cooker or a modern cooktop. Spaghetti squash is versatile.
Spaghetti squash offers benefits like blood, bone, and skin health, making it a great addition to any diet. It is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. It can be eaten as a main dish or a side dish, depending on how you serve it. The key to enjoying this meal lies in proper preparation technique.
Choosing the Right Spaghetti Squash
After learning of the nutritious value of spaghetti squash, you will likely get tempted to make this dish for yourself or your family. After all, who does not want to consume a delicious and healthy meal? However, before rushing to make this meal, you need to have the right spaghetti squash.
The wrong type of spaghetti squash can lead to disappointing outcomes like poor texture, unfavorable flavor, bad smell, discoloration, or inedible meal, which means that the one preparing it will have wasted their time and ingredients.
1. Color
What should you look for when buying spaghetti squash? The first thing that a person should look for is a vegetable that has a deep golden-yellow color with a matte finish. This is a sign that the squash is mature and ripe. Avoid squash with pale yellow skin or green spots, which are likely immature or unripe.
2. Texture
The other important thing to consider when buying spaghetti squash skin is that it should be smooth and thick. Try to press hard with your fingernail. The right type of vegetable should not cause any depression on the skin. Additionally, the skin should not have dark or mushy spots.
3. Weight
Weight is also another vital thing to look for when buying this nutrient-dense vegetable. The right type of squash is heavy for its size and should have a firmly intact stem. However, if you have unripe spaghetti squash, you can ripen it by keeping it warm, preferably sunny, and rotating it regularly until it ripens.
Preparing Spaghetti Squash for Cooking
Now that you have bought the spaghetti squash, you must prepare it right. You will need a cutting board and a sharp and sturdy knife for this step. Start by cutting off the stem, then the vegetable in half lengthwise. If it is too hard to cut, prick it with a fork and microwave it in a one-minute burst until it is soft enough.
When halved, you will notice seeds on the insides. If you have ever cut a pumpkin, then scoop out the seeds and the pulp using a spoon. Do not toss the seeds because they make a great snack when roasted. Clean the hallow half so it is ready for cooking.
Prepare the Squash
You will likely be nervous if this is your first time making spaghetti squash. If this is the case, it is best to start with a simple cooking method: oven roasting. For this, sprinkle some salt and pepper on the fleshy part of the squash. Be careful not to add too much, which might make it watery.
Oven Roasting
If you are using an oven, use a fork and poke a few holes in the squash’s skin. Place the squash on a baking sheet, with the hollow part facing down. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake for 40 minutes for a more al dente spaghetti strand. If you prefer your spaghetti strands to be mashy, roast them for one hour.
Microwave Method
Another way to cook the squash noodles is in the microwave. The challenge is that a whole squash might not fit in the microwave, so you must cook each half separately. Place half of the seasoned squash in a microwave-safe dish, the hollow part facing down.
Then, add about an inch of water to the dish. Microwave it on high heat for a 4-minute burst and check if it is done. If not, continue microwaving it for the 1-minute interval until tender.
Instant Pot
To cook the squash in an instant pot, add a cup of water, place the squash inside, cut the side down, and secure the lid by setting the valve to seal. Cook under high pressure for 7-8 minutes. Give the pot time to release the pressure and remove the squash from the pot. Let it cool down before using it.
Boiling
Those uncomfortable using very sharp knives can hesitate to cut the squash since it has hard skin. However, that does not mean they cannot enjoy this meal; they can boil it before cutting it. This step is simple; they must carefully add the squash to hot water and then cook it on medium heat using an induction cooktop.
Using a fork, you can tell if the squash is ready; it should be tender. Once cooked, cut it lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and use a fork to separate the squash noodles.
How to Season Squash Noodles
Seasoning is excellent as it helps the cook customize the noodles to their preference. You can have a satisfying meal full of personalities with the proper seasoning.
Basic Seasoning: If you do not like too much spice, you can use simple salt, pepper, and olive oil to get the classic flavor.
Savory: If you have a sweet tooth, use cinnamon and nutmeg and drizzle it with maple syrup to enjoy the meal.
Spicy: You can make this noodle spicy by adding chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. You can make it cheesy by adding yeast, melted mozzarella, or feta.
Herbs Infused: You can use fresh herbs on the noodles, such as basil, parsley, or cilantro. If you prefer a more acidic taste, you can use lime zest, balsamic vinegar, or a splash of apple cider.
Spaghetti squash is often described as easy to make, versatile, and nutritious. If you are trying it for the first time, you can cook or spice it to create a healthy and satisfying meal. Try it out and enjoy this gluten-free, low-carb meal.
