Spaghetti Squash With Pecans And Dates Recipes

SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH PARSLEY AND PECAN PESTO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Rub the cut sides of the squash with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet. Cut the tops off of the garlic heads, exposing the cloves but leaving the heads intact. Set the heads on a large piece of foil, drizzle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Wrap up the foil to make a pouch and place on the baking sheet with the squash. Bake until the squash is tender and the garlic soft and roasted, 35 to 40 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• When the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, press out the cloves and add them to a food processor along with the minced garlic, toasted pecans, 1/2 bunch parsley and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pulse until the ingredients are pulverized. With the motor running, drizzle in the 1/4 cup olive oil. Add the Asiago and lemon juice and pulse until just combined.
• Shred the squash into a bowl using a fork and toss with 1/2 cup of the pesto. Season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with chopped parsley.

SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH FRESH TOMATOES AND RICOTTA

Steps:

• Stir together the tomatoes, shallot, vinegar, chile flakes, garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon basil and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Set aside to marinate, stirring the tomatoes every 10 minutes, while you prepare the spaghetti squash.
• Carefully slice off the top and bottom of the squash, trimming just enough so that the inner flesh of the squash is exposed. Use a sharp paring knife to poke ten to twelve 1/2-inch-deep slits all over the squash. Put the squash in to a medium glass heatproof bowl and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Carefully flip the squash over and microwave on high until a fork easily pierces through the flesh that is exposed on the squash, about 5 additional minutes.
• Allow the squash to cool enough so that you can handle it, then split it in half length-wise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them. Then use a fork to loosen the squash strands and transfer them to a medium bowl. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt. Use your hands to gently work the oil and salt into the squash. Transfer the squash to a serving platter and pour the tomato mixture over the top (along with all of its juices). Top with spoonfuls of the ricotta and garnish with the remaining basil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

PESTO SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
• Place squash skin side down on prepared baking sheet. Bake until cooked through, about 1 hour. Remove from oven; cool for 10 minutes. Once squash is cool enough to handle, scrape flesh into string-like strands with a fork. Place in a bowl and set aside.
• Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until onion begins to turn translucent. Stir in kale and mushrooms; reduce heat to medium low.
• Stir in squash, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook for 2 minutes. Remove from stove and place squash mixture in a large bowl.
• Stir olive oil and pesto into the squash mixture. Slowly add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until evenly mixed.

SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH PECANS AND DATES

Steps:

• Peel and seed 1 spaghetti squash; cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast on a preheated baking sheet at 450˚ until tender and browned, about 45 minutes. Brown 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/3 cup chopped pitted dates, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme and a pinch of salt; scatter over the squash.