Spaghetti Squash Recipe with Sauteed Vegetables

Bake spaghetti squash in a 350 degree oven. There are a couple different ways to do that. One way (the way I do it) is to bake the spaghetti squash whole and periodically test it by poking a knife through the husk. When the knife goes in easily it is done. The other way is to cut it in half before baking and put each half face down on a baking sheet with a little water in the pan.

While the spaghetti squash is cooking chop into large chunks three or four zucchini, one large onion, four medium tomatoes, mushrooms halved or quartered to your liking and some pressed garlic.

Pre-heat your pan and pour in a good portion of olive oil. I’d say about a quarter cup more or less. Drop in all your veggies except the mushrooms. I suggest you just throw those in the last five minutes or so. Sauté the veggies until they are soft (don’t forget to throw in the mushrooms). Near the end of the cooking douse the whole mixture generously with Italian Salad Dressing, stir and cook another couple of minutes until desired softness. I like to season it with a mixed pepper seasoning but what ever you prefer is fine. The Italian dressing adds a lot of seasoning already so you may not want to season it more.

When the squash is done take it out of the oven and let it cool a little so you can handle it comfortably. Cut it in half lengthwise - it is still really hot in the center so handle with care. Scoop out all the seeds. You will see that it is very stringy so just don’t dig too deep into the meat of the squash. You want to preserve all the pulp you can. This can be a pretty messy process so you will want to do it near your sink.

When the squash is cleared of the seeds get a big bowl and begin scooping out the rest of the pulp. It will naturally want to shred into spaghetti like strands. If you need to help the shredding just take a couple of forks and pull it apart.

Serve a portion of spaghetti squash topped with sautéed vegetables and parmesan cheese. I like to serve it with a portion of Italian sausage on the side but it is great by itself. Of course a good chunk of Italian bread is great with it too.

For a great summer dessert try some fresh strawberries or Strawberry Rhubarb Pie