Spaghetti Squash Mexicana With Tropical Avocado Salsa Fresca Food

MEXICAN-INSPIRED SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking pan with aluminum foil.
• Cut squash in 1/2 lengthwise. Remove and discard seeds. Add a few drops of oil to each 1/2 and spread using a pastry brush. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down in the prepared baking pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven until tender, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion, bell pepper, and garlic in the hot oil until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Remove cooked squash from the oven and reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Remove strands from squash using a fork or spoon and place them into a large bowl. Add black beans, sauteed veggies, 1/2 cup Mexican cheese, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper; mix well. Spoon mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Mexican cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with tomatoes, avocado, and olives. Serve immediately.

SPAGHETTI SQUASH MEXICANA WITH TROPICAL AVOCADO SALSA FRESCA

Steps:

• First, Bake the squash.Preheat oven to 375. Cut squash in half. Scoop out seeds. Place face down on baking sheet with 1 inch of water. Bake for 45 minutes. Flip it over to face up and cook until it is easily to pierce with fork. If it is done you can turn off the oven but leave it in to keep it warm. Prepare salsa by mixing all the ingredients in small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Prepare bean mixture by heating a large, heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat and saute onions and jalepenos in oil for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and coriander seeds and saute for 2 more minutes. Add remaining spices, salt, wine and raise the heat to a boil for 2 minutes, stirring often. Lower heat and add the corn, black beans and hot sauce. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the corn is heated through and the wine has reduced. If the squash is not done by this point, cover the bean mixture. The bean mixture should be hot when served. When the squash is ready and cool enough to handle, shred and scoop out the flesh with a spoon, add to the bean mixture and toss with tongs to separate the strings and mix. Divide among individual plates and top with salsa fresca. Serve immediately.

TROPICAL AVOCADO SALSA

Steps:

• Place the ginger, jalapeno and garlic on a cutting board. Using a large knife, chop the ingredients together until they are minced and well combined. Sprinkle the mixture with 1/4 teaspoon salt and use the side of the knife to work the mixture into a coarse paste. Transfer the paste to a medium bowl and add the pineapple, chopped cilantro, onions, tomatoes and avocados. Toss gently to combine. Add the lime juice and 3/4 teaspoon salt and toss again. Taste and add additional salt if desired. Transfer the salsa to a serving bowl and garnish with a few pieces of diced pineapple and cilantro sprigs. Serve with the chips. Cook's Note: If you're making this salsa ahead of time, you can refrigerate it, covered, for up to 4 hours. When ready to serve, stir well, transfer to a serving bowl and garnish.
• Copyright 2012 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.

SALSA SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Steps:

• Cut squash lengthwise in half; discard seeds. Place squash on a microwave-safe plate, cut side down. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 15-18 minutes or until tender., Meanwhile, in a lightly oiled nonstick skillet, cook and stir onion over medium heat until tender. Stir in salsa, beans and cilantro; heat through. Gently stir in avocado; cook 1 minute longer., When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. Serve squash topped with salsa mixture.