Help-spaghetti squash

hotcookie101 · 17 October 2009 at 11:44AM

I have 2 of these from the veg box, and am at a bit of a loss what to do-have searched the forum but not many results-apart from cooking and using like pasta? Is that all I can do with it? I am presuming, as it is a winter squash, that it tastes NOTHING like courgettes? (please tell me so-I cannot stand them, and can't eat summer squashes, and I have tried recently)

Does anyone have any ideas how I can make it tasty and delicious? Thanks

CCP · 17 October 2009 at 11:52AM

You lucky bunny - I love spaghetti squash!

The flavour is somewhere between courgette and winter squash - hopefully not so courgette-y that you don't like it, though. I usually boil mine, which takes a while and you need a big pan, but I saw somewhere yesterday that you can cut them in half and roast them with a bit of butter, so I might try that next time I have one. (I'm now desperately trying to think where I saw that - I'll get back to you!)

I tend to use them simply as a vegetable alternative to pasta, just with some butter, black pepper and perhaps a bit of grated parmesan on top. Last year I served it as an accompaniment to a beef stew, and that was really nice.

HTH?

Update - the info on roasting spaghetti squash was on the Abel & Cole website, where I get most of my veggies. They say "The best way to cook it is to slice it in half from the centre of the tough stalk right down. Clean the centre, pop a few pats of butter inside and roast until fork-tender. Then, fluff up the hasta la pasta strands and serve with a good grating of parmesan and black pepper." I'll have to try that myself next time.

Lil2002 · 17 October 2009 at 1:26PM

I love spaghetti squash - exactly as CCP said, I like mine roasted in a hot oven, seasoned & a bit of butter. Might have to go add one to the shopping list now :rotfl:
I use it instead of mash, makes a lovely change.

It's also low in calories - as long as you're careful with that butter...

hotcookie101 · 17 October 2009 at 1:41PM

Thanks, so it looks like I will roast it and fluff it up, and have instead of mash.... maybe with a stew or something.. Hmmm could I mix it with mashed sweet pots, just in case it is courgetty, or is it unmixable with other things?
Now-if I cook both together do you reckon I can freeze the extra?

CCP · 17 October 2009 at 1:55PM

I can't see why you shouldn't mix it with other things - it's usually a yellowy colour so it will probably look quite pretty with sweet potatoes. If they're mixed together you should be able to freeze it, too - I don't think I'd freeze it on its own as, like most squashes, it has quite a high water content and would probably go a bit mushy if frozen as it is.

Like Lil2000, I'm going to go and add one to my shopping list for next week now!

hotcookie101 · 17 October 2009 at 3:18PM

I presume they will keep for a bit anyway? Like normal squashes or pumpkins? I have them out at room temperatue (in kitchen so not really lovely and cool-would I be best to stick them in the fridge?) Or outside where its getting pretty nippy in essex?

CCP · 17 October 2009 at 4:06PM

As you say, they should keep for a bit - my dad used to grow them when I was a kid and they'd keep for months in the garden shed. As long as your kitchen isn't too warm they'll be fine there, I should think.

Alcmene · 17 October 2009 at 4:52PM

I love these and cannot find them in any supermarket!

CCP · 17 October 2009 at 4:56PM

Alcmene wrote: »

I love these and cannot find them in any supermarket!

No, I haven't seen them for sale in supermarkets, either - I suppose a lot of people would look at one and just go 'huh?'.

I'll get mine from Abel & Cole, as an addition to my veg box - they're a bit pricy but I'm going to get one anyway as I really fancy it after this conversation.

Alcmene · 17 October 2009 at 8:03PM

CCP wrote: »

No, I haven't seen them for sale in supermarkets, either - I suppose a lot of people would look at one and just go 'huh?'.

I'll get mine from Abel & Cole, as an addition to my veg box - they're a bit pricy but I'm going to get one anyway as I really fancy it after this conversation.

I have used Abel and Cole in the past but it is pricey, and I am fussy about what veg I like so don't really like variety boxes.

hotcookie101 · 17 October 2009 at 8:41PM

I use riverford, and get a box each week, which does me and my OH well, obviously there are a couple veg I will not eat-courgettes etc-I swap with workmates, but otherwise is actually really good value-I spend £12 for basically ALL my veg (minus spuds-I find the amount veg boxes give are not enough so I have a seasons box-has no pots in it)
We eat a lot of veg, and tend to eat all the box in a week (despite it being for 3-4 people)
Am stuck now as have 2 spaghetti squash-1 was supposed to be a karaca, but its exactly same look as the spag one so presuming I got subbed and didnt actually read the notice!

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Help-spaghetti squash

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