Tomato Basil Spaghetti Squash Bake
When I started brainstorming this recipe, it
came from a combination of laziness (I'm not ashamed) and a desire to
cut my own work load. Cooking a spaghetti squash, shredding it, and then
warming up spaghetti sauce, chopping up tomatoes and basil from our
garden, stirring, and serving....well, it just seems like a lot! And the
dishes it produces- far too many, if you ask me. I knew I could make it
easier on myself. How exactly? Well, think of this as a 'one pot' meal,
where all you really need is a squash. And maybe a baking sheet.
The beauty of this is that you really do
just throw all the ingredients into your hollowed squash halves and bake
for about an hour- easy peasy! Once its ready just remove it from the
oven, shred the squash with a fork, and serve. Your guests will love the
taste, and you'll love the easy clean-up. Its healthy, light. and full
of fresh (from our garden, in this case) veggies. So lets give three
cheers for a lack of dishes and more time to eat, 'cause thats the
ultimate goal. Lets do it!
INGREDIENTS:
1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup basil, chopped
salt & pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice the stem
off the top of your squash, then turn on it side and slice it in half
lengthwise. Remove seeds and innards, and toss in the compost. Drizzle
each half with olive oil, a little over a tablespoon each, and sprinkle
each side evenly with minced garlic. Pour about 1/4 cup of sauce into
each half, then top each side evenly with sliced cherry tomatoes, basil,
salt & pepper. Cover in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet
to catch any drippings. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until mixture is
bubbling and squash is fork tender.
Once ready, remove from oven and use a fork
to separate squash strands. If you want, you can scoop mixture into a
bowl and stir, if you like more room to work. Otherwise, use a fork to
toss the squash pasta and tomato basil mixture together right in the
squash halves, and serve immediately. Sprinkle with fresh basil and
nutritional yeast to garnish. Makes 6-8 servings. Saves well in an
airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!