The Versatile Spaghetti Squash: A Healthy and Delicious Alternative to Pasta

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As of: November 7th, 2023, 2:30 p.m

By: Ines Alms

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After cooking, the spaghetti squash reveals its culinary secret. The healthy pasta alternative is extremely versatile if you prepare it correctly.

The green striped or yellow spaghetti squash is roughly similar in shape and size to a baseball. This variety of squash gets its name from the unique texture of its flesh: when the vegetable is cooked, the flesh separates into fibrous, spaghetti-like strands that make an excellent base for a variety of dishes. These “vegetarian spaghetti” are a low-calorie, low-carb alternative to traditional types of pasta.

Uses for spaghetti squash

Spaghetti squash can be roasted whole in the oven and prepared very easily. © The Picture Pantry/Imago

Spaghetti squash is an excellent choice for health-conscious people because it is low in fat and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Its mild, slightly sweet flavors complement many ingredients and sauces, making it versatile in the kitchen:

As a pasta substitute: Use spaghetti squash instead of pasta in classic pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara or with pesto. Tomato sauce, bolognese and aglio e olio are also examples of sauces that go well with spaghetti squash. Stuffed and baked: Fill the cooked pumpkin halves with a mixture of the pumpkin flesh, other vegetables, meat and spices and bake them in the oven . Also ideal for gratinating with cheese.Salads and side dishes: Mix the pumpkin threads with fresh herbs, olive oil and spices to prepare tasty salads or side dishes.

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How do you prepare spaghetti squash?

The spaghetti squash can be steamed or cooked whole or halved; it is particularly easy to prepare in the oven:

Halve and hollow out: First cut the pumpkin in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and fibers. Place the halves, cut side down, on a baking tray. Bake: Bake the pumpkin at 190 degrees Celsius for about 45 to 60 minutes or until the flesh can be easily pierced with a fork. Remove the “spaghetti”: After baking, you can Simply pick out the pulp with a fork to preserve the spaghetti structure. Now remove the pulp and prepare it like pasta or bake it again in the oven with other ingredients.

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This article was created using machine assistance and was carefully checked by editor Ines Alms before publication.

2023-11-07 13:57:55
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