Not everyone knows how to cook a
spaghetti squash and because of that fact, they may be hesitant
to buy it. Spaghetti squash is a healthier alternative to pasta,
white potatoes and rice. Cooking spaghetti squash is not as
complicated as one might think. In fact, almost all methods of
cooking can be applied to this winter variety.
What is Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti squash is often
referred to as vegetable spaghetti. It is shaped like a
watermelon and comes by its name because when the flesh is
cooked it separates into what looks like conventional spaghetti.
Spaghetti squash strands can be added to casseroles or salads.
It can also be served as you would traditional spaghetti.
If you are looking for a
spaghetti squash that is ripe and ready to cook, note that the
more yellow the rind the riper the squash. Spaghetti squash can
be purchased year round but the best time to buy is early autumn
through the winter months.
A cousin to the spaghetti
squash is orangetti squash. Though it too is shaped like a
watermelon, the flesh of this type is pale orange. This variety
of squash is usually available from late summer into October.
Nutritional Benefits of
Spaghetti Squash
A low calorie, low sodium food,
spaghetti squash packs a nutritional punch. With just 45
calories per serving, it is a high fiber food and rich in folic
acid. It also contains some vitamin A, potassium and niacin.
When looking for healthy alternatives to starchy pasta or
potatoes, you can't go wrong with spaghetti squash.
Cooking Methods for
Spaghetti Squash
Baking spaghetti squash is an
easy method of preparing. Like a potato, take a fork and pierce
the squash in several places to prevent bursting when baking in
the oven. The ideal temperature is 350 to 375 degrees
Fahrenheit. If you are preparing other foods along with the
squash in the oven, it can be cooked at the same temperature
required for those foods. Baking time for squash is between 45
minutes to an hour. After cooling, cut open and remove the
seeds. Take a fork and run it over the flesh making strands
until just the shell is left.
Boiling is a quicker method of
cooking as it only takes about a half an hour. Place the squash
whole in a pot of boiling water and once it is easy to press
with your finger it is done. When the squash has cooled a bit,
just as with the baking technique, open and use a fork to comb
the strands until there is only the shell left. Though quicker,
this method is far messier than baking.
Steaming spaghetti squash is an
option too. First the squash needs to be halved and seeds
removed. Halve again and put the pieces with the fleshy side
facing down on a rack for steaming directly over water that is
boiling. This technique takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Strands are then pulled from the shell until just a thin layer
of skin remains.
It is so easy to learn how
to cook a spaghetti squash! If your serious about trying
one of these spaghetti squash cooking methods, find a number of
good
spaghetti squash recipes to make at home.
If you interested in other
recipes and methods for cooking nutritious fruits and
vegetables, check out other
garden recipes and get cooking today!
