Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
While watching the season’s final episode of HBO’s ‘True Blood’ last night, I treated myself to something special: Spaghetti Squash, richly attired in olive oil, garlic, tomato, and feta cheese. You might like to try this exquisite dish some evening, too, with or without the accompaniment of handsome vampires.
Spaghetti Squash, or Cucurbita pepo, is aptly-named because its cooked flesh, when scraped with a fork, produces long, pasta-like strands. But unlike pasta, these strands are low in net carbs (8 grams per cup) and calories (41.9 grams per cup). The squash’s mild flavor is easily enhanced by the ingredients you top it with.
There are many ways to cook cucurbita, but my own, preferred method is to bake the squash in halves, for this method permits some lovely and flavorful caramelizing. Preheat the oven to 375-degrees, split the squash lengthwise in half, then scrape out seeds. Place squash halves cut-side-down on a foil lined baking sheet, and cook for about one hour. To achieve long, pasta-like strands, scrape the cooked squash with a fork, working from stem to base.
Here is the dish I enjoyed last night. I can tell you that except for the squash, the ingredients were purely happenstance. And for that reason, I’ll call this ambrosia
Spaghetti Squash with a Serendipitous Topping
For one cup of hot, cooked spaghetti squash:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, pureed
1 medium tomato, juiced, seeded, and chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
3 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
Coarse kosher salt and freshly-ground pepper
Gently stir olive oil, pureed garlic, salt, and pepper into a bowl of cooked squash. Top with tomato, feta cheese, and parsley.
This dish isn’t at all difficult to prepare, yet it is utterly delicious. I hope you’ll try it.
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Andrew Thompson says
Whoa – sounds delish. And the raw, pureed garlic will surely keep the vampires away. (But if they are hot, hunky vampires from 'True Blood,' why would you WANT to keep them away?)
Holly says
I'm not into vampires, but I do love spaghetti squash. Your cooking instructions are really helpful, and your “Serendipitous” recipe sounds wonderful!
Sharon says
Spaghetti squash is also delicious with just butter and a drizzle of PURE maple syrup.
Gardenlady says
I don't know why more restaurants don't serve this squash. It is such a wonderful alternative to semolina pasta.
GothamDan says
Thanks for the recipes…so simple that even I can make it…Still have the final True Blood episode on DVR
Judy says
Since I don't get HBO I won't be able to eat your delicious squash recipe during True Blood — however I will eat it during 'Mad Men' — while sipping a dry martini with an olive!
Lucille says
Oh my gosh this receipe is just delicious and so easy to make! When are you going to write a cook book?