ref=”https://thinktasty1.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/TuscanSpaghettiSquash_CaberntInn_NorthConwayNH.jpg”>
We have the start of a trend in the Best B&B Bites column. Following in the steps of the last recipe, this week we have another recipe from a New Hampshire-based inn. Located a little farther to the north is Cabernet Inn. The recipe they have submitted is one that embraces the arrival of fall quite nicely. Using one of my favorite winter squashes, they have created a delicious, hearty, and healthy entrée. This meat-free recipe should please almost every palate.
Although this recipe does require about an hour from start to finish, it is well worth the effort. Carve some time into your schedule, and get cooking!
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 2 Tb. butter
- 2 Tb. olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
- 9 sun-dried tomatoes, julienned and marinated in olive oil for about 1 hour*
- 1 portabella mushroom cap, quartered and sliced thin (1/4”)
- 10 oz. white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 lb. asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1-15 oz. can chick peas, drained
- 1 can Contadina diced tomatoes with garlic
- 2 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tsp. dried cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
- Cut the squash in half, remove seeds and fibers.
- Salt and pepper the inside cavity. Place cut side down on the cookie sheet. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Squash is done when the outer skin is easily pierced with a fork.
- While the squash is baking, start preparing the sauce. Using a large sauté pan or non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 2 minutes more. Add the all the mushrooms, sundried tomatoes and a dash of salt.
- The salt will help the mushrooms release their juices. Sauté for about 5 minutes. Add the asparagus. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes.
- Now add the chick peas, diced tomatoes, rosemary, cumin, pepper and salt. Let sauté over low heat, stirring occasionally while the squash is finishing.
- When the squash comes out of the oven, holding with an oven mitt and using a fork, scrape pulp into a large bowl. The pulp should resemble spaghetti. Using another skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add squash and sauté until all the squash has been coated well. Transfer squash onto a deep serving platter, creating a nest. Fill the nest with the sauce mixture. Enjoy!
- *Sun-dried tomatoes can be purchased already cut and in olive oil. In this case you would use roughly 36 julienne strips.
- Serving suggestions: Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese. If you like it on the spicy side, add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes when you add the other spices.
