How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

spaghetti squash shell and fork with strands

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Spaghetti squash is one of the most interesting winter squash available thanks to its stringy, spaghetti like interior. The long, translucent strands are mild flavoured and perfect for tasty sauces, herbs and spices.

For delicious winter squash recipes & tips, check out my Squash cookbook.

Keyword: spaghetti squash

Calories: 89kcal

Ingredients

1 spaghetti squash

Instructions

In the Oven

Oven roasting squash provides some caramelization and allows liquid to evaporate thereby offering the driest strands, especially if roasting round slices.
Preheat oven to 204°C/400°F. Wash, cut and remove seeds.
Cut in circular slices, in half crosswise or in half lengthwise. Drizzle with oil and salt and pepper or your favourite seasoning.
Place squash cut side down on baking sheet and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until fork can pierce skin. Slices will take 30 to 40 minutes. No need to add water to the pan.

In the Microwave

Microwaving is a speedy way to cook spaghetti squash. The squash will be steamed with no caramelization. Great for Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese.
Wash, cut and remove seeds. If cooking whole, pierce all over with knife or fork.
Place squash cut side down in shallow glass or ceramic dish with 1/2 cup (125 ml) water.
Heat on high power for 8 minutes. Check squash and continue to heat until tender up to 15 minutes depending on size and microwave.

In the Instant Pot

Pressure cooking spaghetti squash in an electric pressure cooker is another fast, efficient way to cook squash whether cooking whole or cut squash.
Wash, cut and remove seeds from squash. If cooking whole squash, wash and pierce all over.
Place squash in steamer basket or on trivet in cooker cut side down. Add 1 cup (250 ml) water to a six quart pot and 1 ½ cups (375 ml) to an eight quart pot.
Seal and set timer for 8 minutes at high pressure for cut squash and 15 minutes for whole squash. Use quick release when time is up.

In the Crockpot

If you remember to set it up, using a crockpot is probably the easiest way to cook whole squash.
Wash squash and pierce all over with fork, skewer or knife. Place in crockpot with 1 cup of water. Ensure lid fits securely.
For a small to medium sized (~three pounds) squash cook 3 to 4 hours on high or 5 to 6 hours on low. Add an hour for larger squash. This works out to about 1 to 1 1/2 hours on high per pound of squash.

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