Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Bowls

Easy to prepare Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Bowls are a must-have, it is low in calorie, high in fiber and nutrients. 

Who doesn’t love spaghetti? The Italian noodles that we called spaghetti go perfectly well with anything. Whether it is a marinara sauce or basil pesto, you can’t get enough of these.

But, have you ever tried to take a step away from your comfort zone and try something new? well, for instance, making your spaghetti but not with the traditional ingredients, i.e., flour, eggs, or water. How about we make spaghetti from squash? Now that’s something interesting, isn’t it?

You might have heard of spaghetti squash, but I bet not many of you have tried it home. Now that I have mentioned it, you seriously need to try this recipe at home! If you are a vegetable-lover, this dish will blow your mind and take you to the ninth heaven. Check out my Baked Stuffed Eggplant. Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash is an easy way to prepare your spaghetti squash. 

It is a unique dish that doesn’t just look vibrant and attractive but tastes just the same. It is a perfect dish for weekends. In simple words, this dish is a celebration of every single ingredient!

What is spaghetti squash?

It is the perfect alternative to traditional Italian spaghetti. In simple words, spaghetti squash is spaghetti made from squash. Where regular Italian spaghetti use flour, eggs, and water all mixed together and knead into a dough which is then turned into thick noodles called spaghetti, we bypass the whole setup here.

You might have used squash. It has a unique and slightly sweet flavor. But have you ever imagined making spaghetti out of it? It is interesting, isn’t it?

You can do wonders with vegetables if you know the right way. And same goes with the squash. If you know the right way, you can get spaghettis out of it! Spaghetti squash is thin, stringy noodle-like pieces of squash.

They have the same taste as a squash, i.e., slightly sweet. As for the texture is concerned, it has a chewy and stringy texture. Don’t worry; you can definitely slurp it!

Different ways to prepare spaghetti squash

If you are looking for a way to make stringy noodles from squash, there are several ways to do so. Here are a few to name:

• You can cut the squash in half and bake it in the oven.
• You can also bake it in the microwave.
• Some people like to steam it by placing it in oven water.

No matter what way you use it, you will end up with spaghetti! Although I have tried all these methods, my favorite way to cook spaghetti squash is by baking it in the oven. Read head to find out how?

How to make Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Bowls?

Now making spaghetti squash is pretty easy, but you need technique. Don’t worry, ill tell you everything step by step, and once you follow my lead, you will end up with a perfect portion of Baked Spaghetti Squash. Here is how you can turn a simple squash into spaghetti!

Step 1: firstly, wash the squash and pat it dry. Slice it lengthwise in half, starting from stem all the way to the base.

Step 2: Next, you need to clean the squash from inside by removing the seeds along with the membranes. You can either use your hands or a spoon to remove the seeds. However, make sure you do that gently, or you will damage the flesh.

Step 3: Place the halved squash on the baking tray in such a way that the cut side faces downwards on the baking tray. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 400-degree F for about 50 minutes or until the flesh is tender.

Step 4: Once done, remove the tray from the oven and set it aside so that it is cool enough for you to handle it. It might take 30 minutes for the squash to cool down.

Now, use a fork and start to pull the strands from the flesh of the squash lengthwise. As you do that, you will see the flesh comes up just like spaghetti. Continue to do so until almost all flesh is gone. Make sure the skin of the squash, i.e., bowls stays intact. You will need them for later use.

Health benefits of squash

Here are a few health benefits of squash that will make you love the dish even more:

• Do you know that a single cup of spaghetti squash contains about 42 calories? It is insanely low, making it a perfect choice for people who like to follow a low-calorie diet.
• It is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals. We are talking about vitamins A, C, E, and K.
• It is loaded with anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are very important for our bodies’ functioning and save us from several diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases.
• Spaghetti squash is rich in dietary fiber. Thus, it improves your digestive health and also relieves constipation.
• Because it is low in calories, it also helps in weight loss and makes you feel fuller.

How to pick up the right squash?

Before you go to the grocery store to buy the perfect spaghetti squash, you need to keep in mind a few things. Firstly, because you are going to make bowls out of it, look for the one that you think will make a good bowl.

Next, it is better to look for smaller squash that is rounded. Longer squash is a big no-no. However, the ones that are slightly oval and resemble a giant softball are the ones that you should pick up without thinking twice. Also, make sure the squash is firm and not very mushy or soft.

What are stuffed spaghetti squash bowls?

Stuffed spaghetti squash bowls have baked spaghetti squash along with other ingredients. The primary purpose of the bowls is just for visual effect. They look kind of tropical and nice. It is eye-catching. You can prepare the dish and fill it up in the bowl instead of the plate. It gives the dish a sassy look.

What’s special about stuffed spaghetti squash bowls?

Well, the unique thing about stuffed spaghetti squash bowls in its presentation. It looks really nice. As the spaghetti, along with other ingredients, sits inside the squash bowls, you get the feeling of sitting on a tropical island and enjoying the flavorful dish. Well, apart from the visual effect and imagination, here is why this dish is special:

• It has several ingredients that make the dish very tasty. Furthermore, you get several textures that go perfectly well with the stringy baked spaghetti squash.
• It is gluten-free. So, if you have gluten allergies, you can’t feel sad about not trying spaghetti. The dish gives you an excellent chance to enjoy different flavors.
• If you are trying to follow a low-carb diet, this dish is definitely a winner for you. It is low in carbs. And you get to enjoy spaghetti! How cool is that!
• Lastly, you can store it in the refrigerator! The noodles can go in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight jar. So, no need to start fresh every time you crave spaghetti squash!

What goes in a stuffed spaghetti squash bowl?

Now, since it’s a bowl, you can’t expect it to have spaghetti only, can you? Here is a breakdown of every ingredient that goes into the stuffed spaghetti squash bowl:

• Bell pepper: Whether it’s color or texture, bell pepper covers it all. I love bell pepper. It is one of my favorite vegetables. That’s why I love using it in almost every dish. For this dish, I have used red bell pepper. It adds color to the dish.
• Beans: Nothing can go wrong with adding beans to a dish. They not only add healthy benefits to the dish but also add flavor and texture. I have used black beans for this dish, but you can use chickpeas as well.
• Corn: Corn kernels are simply delicious. I use it not only for the color but for the simple fact. They make the dish more flavorful.
• Spices: Here is the point where you reveal the secret. We are heading towards Mexican flavors here. I have used cumin powder, Cayenne pepper, and cilantro. All hail to Mexican flavors!
• Cashew sauce: you need an excellent sauce to give that oomph to your spaghetti. You can use any sauce you like, but my favorite is the delicious, creamy cashew sauce. It binds everything together.

lIf you are looking for the perfect substitute for spaghetti, spaghetti squash is ideal for you! It is not just easy to make but is delicious as well. And the best part is, you can pair it with almost any ingredient.

It is very versatile. So, you don’t have to worry about the flavor combinations. It goes perfectly well with everything. So, what are you waiting for? Try this delicious stuffed spaghetti squash bowls recipe this weekend, and enjoy the unique experience! Let me know what you think about this o

Check Out Other Southwestern-Inspired Dishes:

• Mexican Quinoa Casserole
• Mexican Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
• Scrambled Tofu- Mexican-Style
• Easy Black Bean Enchiladas
• Vegan Fajita Rice Bowl

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