While I love decorative gourds as much as the next person, I’m an edible gourd kind of gal. Pumpkin, delicata, acorn, butternut, pattypan… As soon as autumn hits, I’m throwing these at everything except my tablescape. Spaghetti squash is one variety I haven’t played with much. I love the idea of a squash that transforms into “noodles” when pulled apart with a fork, but then what? I’m not putting marinara on that “spaghetti.” Instead, I turned to the flavors I associate with autumn.
Cinnamon, cumin, cayenne, nutmeg and cardamom are all found in garam masala, one of my favorite spice blends. I added a little sweetness and texture from golden raisins and some protein with cooked lentils. A hit of chopped parsley or cilantro adds brightness that goes with the dried fruit and earthy squash. Save this recipe for a great Thanksgiving side or vegetarian entree.
Moroccan-spiced Spaghetti Squash
2 servings
1 medium spaghetti squash
2 pinches of kosher salt, plus more to taste
½ cup cooked lentils, divided
½ cup golden raisins or currants, divided
2 Tbsp. butter, divided
1 Tbsp. garam masala, divided
¼ cup chopped cilantro or parsley, divided
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membrane. Sprinkle each half with a pinch of salt and place cut-side down on the baking sheet.
• Bake 30 minutes, remove and let rest 10 minutes until cool enough to handle.
• Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash into long strands, leaving the skins intact to use as a serving vessel. To each half, add ¼ cup lentils, ¼ cup raisins, 1 tablespoon butter and ½ tablespoon garam masala. Toss until the butter is melted and all ingredients are combined. Season to taste with salt, garnish with cilantro and serve.
Dee Ryan is a longtime contributor to Sauce Magazine.
This article appears in October 2016.