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How to Make Greek-Inspired Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Step 1: Roast the Spaghetti Squash
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the spaghetti squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle the insides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Once done, remove the squash from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
- While the squash is roasting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the garlic and zucchini and continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the zucchini is tender.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes soften.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Stuff the Squash
- Once the spaghetti squash halves have cooled enough to handle, use a fork to gently scrape the flesh, creating spaghetti-like strands.
- Scoop out a little of the squash flesh from the center to create more room for the stuffing (save this to add to the filling if desired).
- Fill each squash half with the prepared veggie mixture, making sure to pack it in well.
- If desired, top with grilled chicken or turkey slices for added protein.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Return the stuffed squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to heat through.
- Once done, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
Why This Recipe Works
- Mediterranean Flavors: The Mediterranean diet is known for its focus on fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins. This stuffed squash recipe highlights these principles, with the addition of ingredients like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs, which are all staples of Greek cuisine.
- Spaghetti Squash as a Base: Spaghetti squash is an excellent alternative to traditional pasta. When roasted, it forms noodle-like strands, which makes it the perfect vessel for stuffing. Not only is it low in carbs, but it also absorbs the flavors of the filling beautifully.
- Customizable: This recipe is flexible enough to suit various dietary needs and preferences. If you’re not a fan of certain vegetables, feel free to swap them out for others you enjoy. You can also add a protein like chicken or turkey to make it a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Use a Large Skillet: If you have a lot of vegetables to sauté, use a larger skillet to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Extra Flavor: For an even richer flavor, try adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar over the finished dish or sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply roast the squash, stuff it with the filling, and bake it for a quick and easy meal.
Conclusion
Greek-Inspired Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful and nutritious dish. With the richness of feta, the tang of olives, and the freshness of vegetables, this meal is sure to satisfy any cravings for something healthy yet indulgent. It’s also a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet without compromising on taste.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this dish is versatile, delicious, and sure to impress!
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