A fun twist on traditional spaghetti
There are two categories of squash: summer and winter, identified by the time of year each is at its peak in flavor. Spaghetti squash, with its flesh that can be fluffed into pasta-like threads, fits in the winter category. All squash are in the pumpkin family, identified as a super food because of their high nutritional value.
[su_expanding_quote alignment=”full” source_author=”” source_title=”Food Facts” affiliate_link=”http://foodfacts.mercola.com/spaghetti-squash.html” full_quote=”Spaghetti squash contains about 457 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A and 52 percent of vitamin C, which can help prevent free radical damage to cells. Other antioxidants found in this squash variety are beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are all linked to healthy vision and optimal eye health.Spaghetti squash is also rich in the B vitamins riboflavin, niacin, and thiamin, which promote optimal cellular function. Potassium, a mineral that maintains proper muscle and nerve function, is also present in spaghetti squash, making it helpful for people with high blood pressure. Manganese, a mineral that assists in bone and tissue heath, metabolism, calcium absorption, and nerve function, is another key component. Spaghetti squash also contains the essential minerals calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc.” short_quote=”Spaghetti squash contains about 457 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A and 52 percent of vitamin C”]
- 2 small spaghetti squash cut in half and seeded
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and coarse black pepper
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoon expeller-pressed canola oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 pound mushrooms chopped
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste optional
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Kosher salt and coarse black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup grated Mozzarella
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Brush spaghetti squash with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
- Roast, skin side up in oven until tender, about 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven, cool slightly and fluff with fork, scraping away from skin and making a “bowl” of the spaghetti squash.
- While the squash is roasting, heat 2 tablespoon canola oil in a medium sauce; cook the turkey, mixing occasionally, about 10 minutes. Remove turkey from skillet and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in the same sauce pan over medium heat. Add onion and mushrooms and cook until onion is translucent and mushrooms brown—about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, another 2 – 3 minutes.
- Add the turkey, tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low , cover and simmer about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix Parmesan and Mozzarella in a small bowl.
- Scoop meat sauce into spaghetti squash “bowls.” Spread cheese on top.
- Bake at 450 for 6 – 8 minutes until cheese is melted.
Variations
- For a vegetarian meal, skip the ground turkey, or replace it with 1 cup cooked lentils.
- Replace ground turkey with grass-fed ground beef, ground bison or turkey sausage.
- You can leave out the mushrooms; I include mushrooms whenever I can because they have proven cancer-fighting properties.
A Color My Food Original Recipe
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