Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own? For ye are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:19
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
My hearts desire is to glorify God in all I do, even though, I am sure there are many times that I do not. So I will continue to strive to do so on a moment by moment, day by day basis . One of the areas that I am striving to please God in, is in my eating habits. I want to have a healthy body, and in order to have a healthy body, I must eat healthy food.
I have heard for some time that Spaghetti Squash was a good substitute for pasta, but I had never tried it, until now. Pasta has been a mainstay for my family. We all like spaghetti and meatballs and macaroni and cheese and other dishes with pasta. We have been eating pasta that has been enriched with fiber and protein to ensure it was healthier, so I really didn’t think I would like the Spaghetti Squash as a substitute for pasta even though it was low in calories and a natural food. Spaghetti Squash has 42 calories per cup compared to pasta with 200 per cup. There are 10 carbs in 1 cup of Spaghetti Squash and 40 carbs in pasta.
Both my husband and I decided after trying it, that it is really a very good substitute. We liked it so well that we went and bought another squash so we could have it again soon.
The cost of the squash per pound was $1.49, at the stores we shopped, and the average weight of each squash is approximately four pounds. That is around $6 a squash. It is not as reasonable as regular pasta, but it is much more healthy for you.
A package of Spaghetti Squash seeds cost $1.19 at Lowe’s, if you would like trying to grow them, and the seeds inside of the squash can be used to grow your own. If you do, you can store them in a cool place up to six months after harvesting. (I have already planted some seeds to grow my own.)
If you have never fixed spaghetti squash here is what you do:
Wash the outside of your squash. Cut it lengthwise, and remove the seeds as shown below.
Discard seeds or keep them to plant at a later time.
(If you would like to plant them later, wash the seeds and remove all membrane that is on the seeds. Lay the seeds on a paper towels to dry. Once they are dried, place them in an envelope and put them in the refrigerator until ready to plant them.)
There are several ways you can cook spaghetti squash. You can bake it in the oven, microwave it or cook it in the crock pot.
If you choose to cook it in the oven, place the squash in a 9×13 dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 for an hour or until tender. Remove aluminum foil away from you, so steam can escape and you will not get burned from the steam. Let cool.
Or, cook in microwave for 10 minutes, in a covered dish, add 1/4 cup of water to the dish. (If not tender cook for a couple of minutes longer. Remove the lid away from you so the steam will expel away from you. Let cool.
Or, bake in a crock pot, adding a cup of water and bake approximately 8 hours on low. Let cool.
After squash is cool, drain any water that may be in it and using a fork, gently remove the flesh as seen below:
The squash comes out in strands. (I put it directly onto the plate.)
While the squash is cooking, put the Ragu or the sauce of your choice in a bowl and add the meat balls, I chose turkey meatballs because of the fat content and thought they were more healthy. Heat in the microwave or put in pot and heat on the stove.
After heating, spoon sauce and meatballs over your spaghetti squash and top with Parmesan cheese.
We were so surprised at how much the squash had a texture like pasta. I would highly recommend you try it. It really was good. I am sold on it.
Blessings,
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Yes, I love it too! I always forget about it though. Even my kids like it. Try it baked, after you cook it, top with sauce and mozzerella cheese and bake in the oven for a few minutes unitl its melted. Yum!
Thank you for your suggestion. I will try it that way. We had it again this evening for supper. It is sooooo good and I can eat it guilt free. Thank you also for viewing my blog. Jo-Ann
Looks like dinner.
I've heard so much about spaghetti squash, but I've never seen it before. How many people does one squash feed? I've heard it recommended lots because it's gluten free, and that's awesome as well.:)
Shiloh
everydaygameplan.net
The one I fixed that I wrote about in this article served my husband and I which was more than a normal serving but I fixed another one last evening and it would have served at least 4 normal serving. I guess it depends on the size of the squash you buy. The one I made last evening was a little larger than the one I had in this article. They are a little more oblong than round but approximately the size of a mushmellon. Hope that helps you some. Hope you will try it. I really like it and I would use it all the time instead of pasta if I had it on hand. I have planted some seeds so I hope the produce alots of them. They can grow on a trellis as well. Hope you will try it I really think you will like it. Have a great weekend. Jo-Ann
It's always good to see other's trying spaghetti squash – I love it served with butter, parmesan and some sage. It also makes a great side dish. Thanks for sharing your tips.
You are welcome. Thank you for sharing how you serve it. I want to try it the way you have said. I went outside this morning and four of my spaghetti squash seeds are now plants. I am so excited.
I had this for the 1st time at Ruby Tuesday about a month and it was delicious…I didn't know how to make it myself so thanks for the post Jo Ann
You are very welcome. Hope you will try it. I went outside this morning and four of my spaghetti squash seeds are now plants. I am so excited I think I will plant some more. I have so many from the squash.
I love spaghetti squash! I grew some last year. I cooked and de-stranded them. I placed the strands on a layer of paper towels in a colander and let them drain. I then placed in freezer bags and it does freeze very well! We are still eating them from last years garden lol! One plant will give you loads of squash. I like it sauteed with butter, garlic and parm cheese. I would love it if you would come by and share this at my linky party here
http://www.kathewithane.com/2012/05/youre-gonna-love-tuesday-3.html
we like it with just butter salt and pepper yummy
This looks delicious! I will have to see if my family would try it. Thanks for sharing!
Take care,
Trish
Jo-Ann: I'm so happy you linked this up last week. We've just recently gone gluten free/low carb…this is a PERFECT pasta substitute!! Have a great weekend! 🙂
I first had spaghetti squash at a restaurant and loved it. I am now growing it in the garden and can't wait to enjoy it!
I'm your newest follower from A Season for All Things. I look forward to finding many more great recipes from your blog. ~ Ellen
You're right, I had this for the first time last year (low carbing) and it was delicious! I never thought about growing my own. I discovered you on The Thrifty Home and I'm now following; I would appreciate it if you could follow back. Thanks
Wow, will have to try this. Does it actually taste like spaghetti?
I will have to try this with the kids, i bet they will like it, I know I would anyways. Thanks for sharing and I am a new follower!
I hope you have a great week!
Michelle
http://www.delicateconstruction.com