Spaghetti Squash Recipe

How can you visit a place like New York City and be on a diet?! It is impossible with such amazing and diverse food joints everywhere you go! However, since I am now permanently relocating here, I cannot keep this up! Incorporating healthy food throughout the week is a must for me. I came upon a basic recipe using spaghetti squash and decided to try it out today. I found Spaghetti Squash at Trader Joe's. My boyfriend and I were definitely not disappointed!

This is what a Spaghetti Squash looks like for those who are unfamiliar!

Yields: About 6 servings

Ingredients:

1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 2 small/medium tomatoes)

3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

3 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped

1/3 of a 16 oz. jar of cherry peppers, chopped (optional)
Salt and Pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.

2. Place spaghetti squash with cut sides down on the prepared baking sheet, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a sharp knife can be inserted with only a little resistance. Remove squash from oven and set aside to cool enough to be easily handled.

3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and peppers and cook until they are warmed through.

4. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and mushy parts of the squash and discard. Scoop the stringy pulp from the squash into a medium bowl. Add salt and pepper (I just add a good pinch of both). Toss with the vegetables, feta cheese, and basil. Serve warm.

Comes out in long strands resembling spaghetti!

Finished product!

I especially love how versatile this recipe is. You can add marinara to resemble more of a spaghetti. You can add chicken to make it more filling. You can add or omit vegetables to your liking! The possibilities are endless! I like spicy food so adding the cherry peppers gave the dish a nice kick without being overwhelming. Have fun with this recipe and make it your own!