Saturday, January 6, 2024

Baked Spaghetti Squash with Salsa and Mushrooms


baked spaghetti squash with salsa


I purchased a spaghetti squash over a month ago. It was in the back of my pantry, and I had forgotten about it. Surprisingly, it was still good when I cooked it today. 

I really do like spaghetti squash, but it is one of those vegetables that isn't always available and needs time to cook. 
It's easier than you think...


sautéed mushrooms in skillet
I sautéed mushrooms to put on top of the spaghetti squash 

However, it's the beginning of the New Year, and like everyone else I've taken an inventory of myself and decided that I need to be eating more vegetables such as that spaghetti squash since it is a low carb, low calorie, delicious vegetable especially the way I made it. 

Baked spaghetti squash with salsa

After cooking in the Instant Pot and then baking

I sliced squash lengthwise, scooped out the seeds, and cooked one of the halves of it in the Instant Pot, set it to pressure cook for 8 minutes. ( perfect spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot-link)
After I released all the steam and removed the squash, I filled the cavity with salsa and sautéed mushrooms and baked it in a pre-heated oven on 375 for 15 minutes. It was about  15 minutes of fussing (cutting and scooping out the spaghetti squash and cleaning and sautéing the mushrooms) and 25 minutes of cooking total.

baked spaghetti squash in sections, vegan
I cut the squash in thirds before serving it

I noticed this idea on the menu at a local restaurant that serves 1/2 of a spaghetti squash baked with sauce and cheese or vegan cheese. I substituted mushrooms for the cheese. 

Author of the blog: Judee Algazi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Pressure Cook Time: 8 minutes ( plus time to pre-heat) 
Bake Time: 15 minutes 
Total Time: about 40 minutes 

Ingredients: 
1 med-large spaghetti squash cut lengthwise and seeds scooped out
1 cup of marinara sauce or salsa 
1 pkg of sliced mushrooms, sautéed in 1/4 cup of vegetable broth

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees (to bake the squash after cooking in the IP)

Place one of the halves of the spaghetti squash on the steamer gadget in the Instant Pot. Add 2 cups of water. Close the lid, set to pressure cook for 8 minutes, and be sure the steam release is closed. 
When done, release steam immediately according to the manufacturer's instructions. When all steam is released, carefully remove the lid. Using mitts, remove the squash and place on oven proof tray. 

Fill the cavity with sauce and mushrooms. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Cut into thirds and serve. 

Free Honey Nut Squash Vegetable photo and picture
I love butternut squash too. 

My Notes/Suggestions 

1. This recipe can be made in advance and thus simplifying the recipe by cooking the squash in the Instant Pot the day before and refrigerating for a day until you are ready to serve it. THEN just fill it  with the sauce and mushrooms and bake it for 15 minutes before serving.

2. If you use vegan cheese (or regular cheese) you might enjoy using it a s a topping before baking. 

Doesn't it look good? 

Valuable nutrients in spaghetti squash: 

Spaghetti squash contains two powerful antioxidants: beta carotene and vitamin C. Antioxidants are thought to protect against free radical damage to the cells which may reduce your risk of chronic disease. There is a reason to eat lots of vegetables daily. Only fruits and vegetables provide these powerful antioxidants. 

The Food and Agriculture Department of the United States recommends a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily for adults (this does not include starchy vegetables such as potatoes)
How many fruits and vegetables do you eat every day? 




I went to the movies yesterday to see The Boys In The Boat. 

It took place in 1936 and was about the University of Seattle rowing team trying to get to the Olympics in Germany. 

I highly recommend it. It was a great movie!!



My table setting- I love this tablecloth! 


Sharing this post on Weekend Cooking where anyone can share a food related post. 






25 comments:

  1. Love winter squashes. This is a great low carb meal!

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  2. I will have to give this a try, Spaghetti squash is not served very often around here...thanks Judee.

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  3. most days we get the daily dosage. Love spaghetti squash!

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  4. We do well with veggies but I need to up my fruit intake a bit. I love spaghetti squash and have made it many times. Your table looks so cute, I love it. Happy Saturday Judee.

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  5. In a way, it surprises me that any produce would stay fresh for so long, but in another way, it doesn't surprise me with squash. In the right conditions, those things can last a long time. I haven't made a squash in way too long!

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  6. Your table looks pretty and this looks delish!

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  7. I'm not a fan of spaghetti squash, but you sure make it look good.

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  8. Squash with those flavors looks great. I have to get back to cooking after a week in a resort withevery meal handed to me on a plate… squash sounds simple and good.
    best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  9. Time is Squashes time here. And sound is really good. Thanks. Greetings.

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  10. I love using spaghetti squash as a healthy alternative to pasta! And I'd top mine with marinara and those yummy mushrooms!!!!

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  11. The first pic of the salsa-filled squash is so striking! Then again, I've always loved red and yellow. I hear good things about The Boys in the Boat and am glad you enjoyed it. Finally, your pink, black, and white table setting is gorgeous! You really do have a way with décor.💛💖⛵🎀🖤🤍

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  12. Looks like a great meal.
    from Tandy I Lavender and Lime https://tandysinclair.com

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  13. This is a great tasty way to use spaghetti squash! :)

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  14. Spaghetti squash is not something that I have been able to warm up to in the past. I have told myself that I am going to make more gluten-free meals this year, so perhaps I should give it another try.

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  15. It looks like a healthy and fulfilling meal!.....Abrazotes, Marcela

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  16. Sounds hearty and yummy! 😋
    Hugs and blessings, Judee

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  17. You ask how many servings of fruits and veg I eat daily 6-7, typically carrot, broc, cauliflower, cabbage, greens and mixed salads. I also make soups containing vegetables. I have a hard time cutting up winter squashes so tend to buy frozen. This looks delicious.

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  18. Just 3 ingredients and so much flavor... YUM! I especially love how you prepared this in the Instant Pot. Genius!

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  19. I had spaghetti squash for the first time when I was in Canada! I had to ask the server what it was!

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  20. Hi Judee and Happy New Year! I have never had spaghetti squash but you make me want to try it. Looks really good. I love your tablecloth too! xoxo

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  21. Perfect to enjoy after holidays!!!!!!!

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  22. This spaghetti dish looks really good. You know, spaghetti is one of my favorite meals. I make it at least every couple weeks. Your black and white table cloth is very nice, and I like the pops of PINK. Happy New Year to you. May the new year bring much goodness your way.

    ~Sheri

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  23. I hope 2024 has started well for you.
    Your table setting looks lovely.

    All the best Jan
    https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/

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  24. Delicious, love spaghetti squash and the filling used here is awesome looking.
    Thanks so much for participating and sharing at SSPS 317. See you again next week at #318 https://esmesalon.com/tag/seniorsalonpitstop/

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