Roasted Spaghetti Squash – Budget Bytes
To roast spaghetti squash for the first time can seem daunting when you see it on your kitchen counter. It may leave you wondering how a hard-skinned gourd can turn into tender strands resembling angel hair pasta. However, with a simple kitchen hack up your sleeve, the process becomes surprisingly easy.
Spaghetti squash, despite its savory uses, is actually a fruit like other squash varieties. Its distinctive bright yellow color and football-like shape make it stand out among its more popular relatives like butternut and acorn squash. Once cooked, spaghetti squash's neutral-flavored flesh separates into long, translucent strings similar to angel hair pasta, a unique quality that sets it apart from other winter squashes. Additionally, spaghetti squash seeds are edible, so don't discard them.
Now, let's talk about how to make cutting spaghetti squash easier. You might think you need superhuman strength and sharp knives to cut through its tough skin, and you wouldn't be wrong. But fear not, as there are tricks to help you tackle this task without losing any fingers. After giving the squash a quick rinse, pierce it several times with a fork and microwave it for five minutes. The heat will soften the shell, making it easier to handle. This trick works well for all hard-skinned squashes.
While the squash is in the microwave, prepare your work surface by placing a damp paper towel under your cutting board to prevent slipping. Then, place a thick dish towel on top of the cutting board to secure the squash in place. Once the squash is softened, place it long side down on the dish towel and slice off both ends to create a stable base. Then, cut the squash in half either lengthwise or into rounds, depending on your preference.
After cutting open the squash, use a soup spoon to remove the seeds from its cavity, being careful not to remove too much flesh. You can save the seeds for roasting if desired. Now you're ready to cook the spaghetti squash. Check out the simple recipe below for Roasted Spaghetti Squash.
Spaghetti squash has a mild flavor, making it a versatile ingredient that pairs well with various flavors. You can dress its strands with simple salted butter or get creative with different toppings. Whether you choose to keep it simple or jazz it up, spaghetti squash offers a blank canvas for your culinary creations.
Spaghetti squash, despite its savory uses, is actually a fruit like other squash varieties. Its distinctive bright yellow color and football-like shape make it stand out among its more popular relatives like butternut and acorn squash. Once cooked, spaghetti squash's neutral-flavored flesh separates into long, translucent strings similar to angel hair pasta, a unique quality that sets it apart from other winter squashes. Additionally, spaghetti squash seeds are edible, so don't discard them.
Now, let's talk about how to make cutting spaghetti squash easier. You might think you need superhuman strength and sharp knives to cut through its tough skin, and you wouldn't be wrong. But fear not, as there are tricks to help you tackle this task without losing any fingers. After giving the squash a quick rinse, pierce it several times with a fork and microwave it for five minutes. The heat will soften the shell, making it easier to handle. This trick works well for all hard-skinned squashes.
While the squash is in the microwave, prepare your work surface by placing a damp paper towel under your cutting board to prevent slipping. Then, place a thick dish towel on top of the cutting board to secure the squash in place. Once the squash is softened, place it long side down on the dish towel and slice off both ends to create a stable base. Then, cut the squash in half either lengthwise or into rounds, depending on your preference.
After cutting open the squash, use a soup spoon to remove the seeds from its cavity, being careful not to remove too much flesh. You can save the seeds for roasting if desired. Now you're ready to cook the spaghetti squash. Check out the simple recipe below for Roasted Spaghetti Squash.
Spaghetti squash has a mild flavor, making it a versatile ingredient that pairs well with various flavors. You can dress its strands with simple salted butter or get creative with different toppings. Whether you choose to keep it simple or jazz it up, spaghetti squash offers a blank canvas for your culinary creations.
