Southwest Spaghetti Squash

Amarante

Tue, Jan 17 2023, 1:49 pm

This was a fun dish - I cooked the spaghetti squash ahead of time and so it came together very quickly. Mexican - or more accurately Tex Mex flavors.

Might be a good way to satisfy the pasta urge in a more healthful manner - especially in terms of getting kids to not realize they are eating veggies

Southwest Spaghetti Squash

Excerpt From: Siri Daly - Siriously Delicious

I am a huge fan of Southwestern flavors like cumin, cilantro, scallions, CHEESE. . .which is why I love this dinner so much. It has all the elements of a rich, hearty Southwestern meal, but tastes and feels much lighter thanks to the spaghetti squash base. Back to this flavorful dish. . .it makes a perfect vegetarian meal with an added protein boost from the black beans, and anything with melted, bubbly cheese on top is appealing to most anyone, especially kiddos.

Serves 6

Hands-on time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Cooking spray
1 spaghetti squash, sliced lengthwise, seeds removed
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green bell peppers, drained”
1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 bunch scallions, white and pale green parts only, finely chopped
¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack (or Mexican cheese blend)
Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Sour cream (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Coat an 11- x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place the squash, cut side down, in the baking dish, and bake until tender, about 45 minutes. Let squash cool slightly but keep oven on.

3. Scrape the inside of the squash with a fork to remove the spaghetti-like strands, and place them in a bowl.

4. Add the tomatoes, beans, scallions, cilantro, cumin, garlic salt, kosher salt, pepper, and ½ cup of the cheese. If desired, sprinkle with hot sauce, and stir.

5. Transfer back to the baking dish, and top with the remaining ½ cup cheese.

6. Bake until the top is bubbly and the cheese is melted, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately. If you want, garnish with cilantro, and serve with sour cream.