Everything is Better With Squash!

They say you should always have a good friend who is a doctor, a pharmacist, a lawyer, a mechanic and even a plumber; but, I’d like to add that we should all have a friend that is a gardener!Yes, I know we do not choose our friends based on their professions but it’s always nice to have a friend who is an expert on subjects that you may not be as familiar with. Recently, one of my friends at Crossfit Instinct brought in a plethora of spaghetti squash from her and her parents’ gardens to share. Using spaghetti squash in place of pasta is an excellent way to lighten up an original carb-heavy meal.

Here is an easy semi-homemade dish that is always a crowd favorite.

Italian Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash

• 1 spaghetti squash, cut length wise with seeds removed
• 2 Tbsp of olive oil or grass-fed butter
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 2 Tbsp of chopped fresh parsley and basil
• ½ pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
• At least ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shaved/shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the meat sauce

• 1 ½ lbs ground turkey
• 2 tbsp of olive oil or grass-fed butter
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 1 jar of organic tomato sauce
• Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste

1. Preheat oven to 425^o Cut off the very bottom of spaghetti squash. Place the cut side flat down on cutting board and cut spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds with spoon. Lay spaghetti squash halves flat-side down on baking sheet. Cook for 30-35 minutes or until squash become tender and threads easily. Set aside.
2. Heat 2 tbsp of oil/butter in  2 large skillets, one for the meat and the other for the spaghetti squash. Once heated, add the respected amount of shallots and garlic to each pan. Heat for about 5 minutes until just slightly browned.
3. Add meat to one pan and cook until done. Once meat is cooked through, drain excess liquid and then add tomato sauce. Heat over low until sauce is warm.
4. In the other pan, add fresh herbs and tomatoes and toss for 1 minute. Add spaghetti squash and cook for a few minutes on low until warm throughout. Add Parmesan cheese last and serve warm.