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Friday, October 13, 2023

Perfect Spaghetti Squash In The Instant Pot


Free Spaghetti Squash photo and picture

Have you ever cooked a spaghetti squash? It is a unique yellow hard shelled squash that cooks up in strands that resembles spaghetti!

strands of spaghetti squash

Although it has a bland taste, this fun-to-eat squash pairs well with all kinds of sauces or sautéed vegetables for a delicious low calorie, yet nutrient dense "spaghetti" type dish!

skillet with marinara sauce, mushroom, and olives, vegan

Quick and Easy Mushroom Sauce
I sauté sliced mushrooms and Kalamata olives in marinara sauce until the sauce cooks down (I use organic fat-free marinara sauce from Whole Foods) and until the mushrooms are soft. Then I mix the delicious sauce with my cooked strands of spaghetti squash and top it with chopped cilantro.


Quick Toppings 
Or if I am in a hurry, I might simply mix the cooked squash with a little marinara sauce, Kalamata olives, and chopped cilantro or parsley.


spaghetti squash with cilantro and olives, vegan

How I prep the squash


spaghetti squash cut in half

Like most winter squashes, spaghetti squash has a hard outside shell which may be a little challenging to cut. Therefore, to make it easy, I wash the outside will and use a large Japanese type knife to cut mine in half down the middle as opposed to cutting it lengthwise into two boat boats which I find more difficult to cut.

The advantage of cutting it lengthwise into boats is that you create a serving dish and can serve it right out of the shell which can be pretty if serving company.

spaghetti squash cut and seeded
Before cooking in the Instant Pot, I scoop out the seeds

Once you cut your squash and scoop out the seeds, you are ready to cook it in the Instant Pot. An Instant Pot is a pressure cooker. ( If you don't have an IP, you can use a steamer )

There is no easier way of cooking spaghetti squash than in the Instant Pot. 

Try to get a medium sized squash that will fit into your 6 or 8 quart IP on the trivet or steamer basket. The yellower the outside of the squash, the riper and perhaps tastier the squash.

Author of the Blog: Judee Algazi
Prep Time: 5 minutes 
Cook Time: 7 minutes after the IP heats up
Serves:

Ingredients: 
1 yellow medium spaghetti squash, cut in half and stem chopped off.

Directions: 
Wash your squash well, cut in half, scoop out the seeds, chop off the stem, and place the two halves on the trivet (that came with the IP) or a steamer basket.  Add 1.5 cups of water to your Instant Pot. Set pressure cooker for 7 minutes (longer if you have a large squash). When done, release steam manually immediately according to your manufacturers directions. Carefully remove the two halves to a plate, allow to cool somewhat and then using a fork, pull out the strands of squash.

** do not overcook by allowing it to sit in the steam after the 7 minutes! You will loose the strands and just have squash!

MY NOTES: 

basket of winter squash

It's currently winter squash season. Winter squashes such as butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash are actually harvested in the early fall (such as now) but can be stored and used into the winter. 

Spaghetti squash and butternut squash should be stored in a cool, but not too cold, (55-60 degrees) dark place such as a pantry or cabinet up to 2-3 months. Acorn squash about 1-2 months. 

All recipes on my blog are gluten-free. All recipes on my blog are vegetarian and as of 2021 entirely plant-based oil-free vegan.

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May be an image of 1 person and text that says 'HATE it has caused a lot of problems in this world, but it has not solved one yet. -Maya Angelou'




27 comments:

  1. Love winter squashes and pumpkins, butternut and hokkaido are my favourites though. That sauce looks great.

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    1. Yes, I really love the quick easy sauce. It's perfect on the bland squash.

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  2. We are eating butternut squash these day but I haven’t seen a spaghetti squash to buy yet. We love it.

    Maya was a brilliant woman!

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    1. I have a farm near us that grows butternut and spaghetti squash. I like both.

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  3. I have neither spaghetti squash in my recipe repertoire or an instapot in my cupboard but this sounds good!

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    1. I love the Instant Pot. In fact, I have 3 different sizes and use them all.

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  4. I have never had spaghetti sqaash, but I must try it, how fun to make spaghetti from it! What is an instant pot? I just have normal pots, and a slow cooker, which I have never usedd, shame on me! Hugs, Valerie
    And the quote from Maya Angekou is great, she was such a fabulous person.

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    1. An Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker and a real time saver.

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  5. I'm not a huge fan of spaghetti squash but I love butternut squash! Your post reminded me that I have a good recipe for a butternut squash grain bowl I have to dig out!

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    1. I agree. I prefer butternut but the farm near my house was selling these for $1 each and I couldn't resist.

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  6. Spaghetti squash is one of my favorites. It makes such a delicious dinner. I love the quote. Every day seems to be more challenging everywhere.

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    1. Lori, I often forget about making spaghetti squash but I do like it especially with the mushroom sauce.

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  7. Your spaghetti squash looks wonderful! It is such a smart way to cook it using the instant pot. I have made butternut squash that way.

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    1. Yes, the IP is great for making any winter squash or sweet potatoes. I love my IP

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  8. I haven't seen spaghetti squash for ages, not even here in the Netherlands.
    from Tandy I Lavender and Lime https://tandysinclair.com

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  9. I've never cooked it my instant pot but I will be doing it soon. What a great idea. I normally roast it because it seems to be more flavorful that way but it does take forever. I love all kinds of squash.

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    1. I think roasting it does have a richer flavor but it takes so long.

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  10. I haven't made spaghetti squash in a long time, but I do love it, and I do love my Instant Pot. I also like the the tip you gave about using the shell to serve it in. Thanks!

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    1. Sounds like you would like this recipe Jeff! I too love my IP

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  11. This is a great idea and I have a stash from our garden, can't wait to try it. Thanks!

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    1. Christine- lucky you that you have spaghetti squash growing in your garden.

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  12. I am a huge fan of squash but this is the only squash I haven't tried yet. Must get it.

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    1. It is quite different from other squashes. It is very interesting that it has strands like spaghetti.

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  13. It looks like a delicious dish........Abrazotes, Marcela

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  14. Spaghetti squash does look fun to eat, especially with your tempting mushroom marinara sauce! I also love the colorful pic of all the squash! Finally, no one says it better than Maya. Hate never solves anything. 🧡💛💚

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  15. Oh my, this looks good. Spaghetti is one of my favorite meals. Thanks for the recipe. I used to make my own sauce, but lately it's been the all natural store bought ones. ; )

    ~Sheri

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Your comments are appreciated. I love knowing who is stopping by to read my posts! Have a great day.