Summertime Spaghetti Squash Food

HOW TO COOK SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350˚. With a sharp knife, very carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. (Stick the knife into the center of the squash, then cut down. Again, be careful!) Scoop out the seeds and pulp in the center and discard. Place the squash, cut side up, on a large baking sheet. Rub a little olive oil over the cut surface, then place the pan in the oven for 1 hour or until a fork is easily inserted into the squash.
• When the squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape the stringy squash out of the shell. Add the squash to a bowl; drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

SUMMER SPAGHETTI WITH GARDEN FRESH ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and add the spaghetti.
• Heat the olive oil in a large straight-sided pan over medium-high heat. Add the corn, zucchini, garlic and red pepper flakes and saute, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but not browned, 4 to 6 minutes.
• When the spaghetti is al dente, drain and add to the zucchini. Turn off the heat and toss lightly. Add the tomatoes, walnuts and half the Parmesan. Drizzle with olive oil and gently mix together. Garnish with basil and additional Parmesan. Divide the pasta among bowls and serve.

BEEF PICADILLO WITH SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Steps:

• Halve the spaghetti squash lengthwise and remove the seeds. Put the squash in a large microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons water. Cover with plastic wrap and poke a hole in the plastic to vent. Microwave until just tender, 15 to 17 minutes. Uncover and let cool slightly. Scrape the flesh into strands with a fork. Transfer to a colander and season with salt and pepper. Let sit in the colander.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and a big pinch of salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to high and add the beef; season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cumin; cook until slightly darkened, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, raisins and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce is thickened, about 8 minutes. Stir in the olives and half the cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
• Press down gently on the spaghetti squash to remove any excess liquid, then divide among plates. Top with the beef mixture and the remaining cilantro.

SPAGHETTI WITH SUMMER SQUASH AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat for the spaghetti.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Combine the squashes, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and oregano in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and give it all a good toss. Dump that out onto a baking sheet and roast for 10 to 12 minutes, until the squash is tender and caramelized. Scrape the vegetables into a large pasta bowl and cover with a plate to keep everything warm.
• The pasta water should be boiling by now. Add the spaghetti and stir to separate the strands. Cook for 8 to 9 minutes, until al dente.
• To finish, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain the pasta, and toss gently with the roasted vegetables and Grilled Shrimp. Add the pasta water if needed.

SUMMER SQUASH PASTA PRIMAVERA

Steps:

• In a large skillet, saute onion and green pepper in oil until crisp-tender. Add the zucchini, yellow squash and mushrooms; saute for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and basil. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Toss with pasta; sprinkle with cheese if desired.

SUMMERTIME SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Steps:

• Prick the squash in 3 or 4 places with a fork, put it on a plate, and loosely cover it with plastic wrap. Microwave at full power for 9 minutes. Let the squash stand, still covered, for another 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the pesto. Put the basil, cheese, oil, pine nuts, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste in a food processor and pulse until well combined.
• Halve the squash and scrape out the seeds. Using a fork, scoop the pulp into a large bowl. Add pesto to taste and toss to combine.