Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash Recipes

MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Steps:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter and oil then stir in spices, except salt and pepper.
• Cook for about a minute.
• Stir in squash and sauté until well coated, adding white pepper and salt to taste.
• Remove to serving dish.
• Sprinkle with toasted almonds and orange zest just before serving.

SPAGHETTI WITH MIDDLE-EASTERN MEATBALLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, 1/4 cup onion, bread crumbs, half of the minced garlic (2 cloves), cumin seeds, 2 TBS parsley and 3 TBS olive oil and mix well with your hands.
• Pull off small pieces of the mixture and roll into 1 inch balls.
• In a large nonstick skillet, add a small amount of olive oil and cook the meatballs for about 10 minutes or until browned on all sides; transfer to a platter.
• In the same pan, melt butter and 2 TBS olive oil over medium heat.
• Add remainder of the chopped onion, bell pepper, remaining garlic and cook stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
• Stir in the red wine, reduce heat to a simmer.
• Add tomatoes with juices and all remaining ingredients except the spaghetti and feta.
• Simmer, partially covered and stirring occasionally for 20 minutes.
• Add the meatballs and cook for 10 minutes more.
• Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti as directed on the package and drain; serve topped with meatballs and sauce, sprinkled with the feta.

SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH MOROCCAN SPICES

Steps:

• Pierce squash (about an inch deep) all over with a small sharp knife to prevent bursting. Cook in an 800-watt microwave oven on high power (100 percent) for 6 to 7 minutes. Turn squash over and microwave until squash feels slightly soft when pressed, 8 to 10 minutes more. Cool squash for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt butter in a small heavy saucepan over moderately high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until golden, about 1 minute. Stir in spices and salt and remove from heat.
• Carefully halve squash lengthwise (it will give off steam) and remove and discard seeds. Working over a bowl, scrape squash flesh with a fork, loosening and separating strands as you remove it from skin. Toss with spiced butter and cilantro.

ROASTED SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH VEGETARIAN BOLOGNESE

Steps:

• Prepare the squash: Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Split the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Use a large spoon to scrape out the seeds and discard. Place the spaghetti squash cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle with the oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and 3 to 4 turns of pepper. Turn the squash cut-side down (this will enable it to cook faster). Bake in the center of the oven until the squash flesh is fork-tender, about 45 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly, then use a large spoon and fork to scrape out the fibers into a large bowl; toss gently to separate the strands so they resemble spaghetti.
• Meanwhile, make the Bolognese: Pulse the celery, carrot, onion and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the vegetables and sauté until translucent and dry, 7 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook, stirring, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the TVP and nutritional yeast and mix well to coat everything evenly. Add the tomatoes and stir, breaking them up into small pieces. Add the vegetable stock, oat milk, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, basil and oregano. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat; cover slightly with a lid and simmer until thickened, about 20 minutes. If the sauce still seems watery, uncover and simmer 3 to 5 more minutes.
• To assemble, place the spaghetti squash on a large platter and top with the vegetarian Bolognese. Garnish with the Crispy Kale Chips and sprinkle with the Parmesan.
• Wash kale and remove the stems. Tear the leaves into large pieces and dry completely in a salad spinner. Toss the kale with olive oil; season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 3 or 4 turns of pepper. Spread the leaves evenly on 2 rimmed baking sheets and roast in a 350˚ F oven until crispy, 12 to 14 minutes.