Pumpkin is not only suitable for delicious soups, tarte flambées or roasted vegetables. If you choose a special variety, you can also try other dishes.
So if you’re looking to add some variety to your fall cooking, then you should try Japan’s “spaghetti squash.” It’s so-called because of its long, stringy flesh – but you also have to prepare it right.
How to prepare spaghetti squash properly
The outside of the pumpkin is completely green or yellow striped.
- You need to cut it in half crosswise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
- You can then season the flesh as desired, simply with salt and pepper or something more unusual.
- Then place both halves, open side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can also use a lightly greased or buttered baking sheet.
- After you have baked the pumpkin at about 180 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes, let it cool and then you can scrape the flesh with a fork – that's how you remove the spaghetti from which it gets its name. Use oven mitts to hold it.
This is what makes spaghetti squash so healthy.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), spaghetti squash has only 31 calories per 100 grams, making it a good weight loss aid. In terms of minerals, this fruit is mainly rich in calcium, iron and magnesium. It also contains vitamins C, E, B6 and A. Further nutritional values can be seen in the table:
You can incorporate spaghetti squash into a variety of recipes. Because it contains more than 90 percent water, it is a light alternative to regular pasta – for example, you can eliminate the carbs and use it to make classic pasta sauces. Arrabiata, pesto, bolognese.
Long pumpkin threads can also be served as a starter, as can tomatoes and feta from the oven – with a little garlic oil and basil, this makes a light appetizer before the main course.
It is also very attractive if you cut the pumpkin in half lengthwise and serve it directly in the fruit. So you can put a delicious lentil soup with carrots and onions in small boats and mix it with spaghetti. This dish warms the soul and will be remembered by your guests.