How To: Cook a Spaghetti Squash

sshakorahApril 29, 2022

2 minutes read

Perfect Substitution

Spaghetti Squash is the perfect alternative to traditional pasta noodles. The long-standing pasta noodle is great if you aren’t avoiding carbs, but if you are looking for something outside of the norm and can’t stand another zoodle, try Spaghetti Squash. Although the flesh is similar to other variations of squash, when cooked, the strings fall in ribbons and soaks up sauce just as you would hope.

New Flavors

I’m sure most have heard of meatless Monday as to be completely meat based at the start of the week. And although I don’t set a specific day every week to omit meat, quite the contrary, I do like to incorporate new flavors and ingredients into our repertoire. Plants have so many flavors.Truly an understatement when we consider how we flavor our food including meats, but for those who are apprehensive to try something new, no need to be afraid. The four tips and methods below will help make a quick delicious meal that is cheap and nutritious.

Methods

Baking a Spaghetti Squash is the longer of all four processes of cooking the squash, but equally yummy. Cut the squash in half as safely as possible and remove seeds. I like to slice a small part of the ends of the squash first as to have a stable surface. Then drizzle with olive oil and place on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or lightly browned. Once cooled use a fork to separate strands.

Boiling a Spaghetti Squash can be done in 35 minutes and all without having to cut it. Just a few fork holes and you will have dinner done quick and efficiently. Just fill a large stock pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Turn the squash periodically to ensure doneness all around. Once the squash is soft it is done. Cool for 10 minutes.Remove the seeds and gently lift strands with a fork.
Instant Pot cooked Spaghetti Squash requires the squash to be cut in the half with the seeds removed like the other methods. First place the insert into the pressure cooker and add 1 cup of water or broth. Broth will add more flavor to the prepared dish.Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes depending on size. 8 minutes should suffice for most squash, but add a minute or two if larger. Let the pressure cooker release naturally once done for 5 minutes then vent slowly. Serve hot with desire toppings.
Microwaved Spaghetti Squash is the best option if you don’t have a pressure cooker and want an even faster meal. I know some don’t like this option because of the electro-magnetic waves that can be detrimental to health, but sometimes a girls got to do what she has to do to get dinner on the table.To begin you must cut the squash in half, scoop the seeds. Using a microwave safe dish, place cut squash with seeds removed alongside 1 inch of water. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of Olive Oil. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. If not done, continue to microwave in 90 second increments. Once soft let cool for 10 minutes. Once cooled, use a fork to separate strands and serve to your liking.