Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Picture this: a warm, succulent dish with flavors that will transport you to the Middle East. That’s what we have in store for you today with this Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash Recipe.
If you’re someone who loves to experiment with new cuisines and flavors, then this recipe is perfect for you. It’s a fusion of fragrant and exotic spices that will take your taste buds on a journey they’ve never been on before.
Spaghetti squash is a versatile, low-carb vegetable that can be used in many dishes. In this recipe, we take it a step further, infusing it with the bold, complex spices that are characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine.
This dish is loaded with allspice, ginger, coriander, and cardamom, which are blended together to create an aromatic seasoning mix that elevates the natural flavors of the spaghetti squash. We roast the spaghetti squash until tender and then serve it piping hot with butter and olive oil drizzled over the top, perfectly complementing the spice blend.
Not only is this dish delectable and full of flavor, but it’s also incredibly healthy. It’s a vegetarian dish packed with nutrients and fiber that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
I urge you to try out this unique spin on spaghetti squash. You won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Look no further, because this Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash Recipe is the one you’ve been searching for. Not only is this dish healthy and nutritious, but it’s also packed with an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Firstly, the spaghetti squash itself is a wholesome ingredient that yields a noodle-like texture without all the extra starchy carbs. This makes it perfect for those who are trying to watch their waistline or follow a low-carb diet. The squash provides just the right base for the middle eastern spiced flavors to shine through.
Speaking of flavors, this recipe is infused with traditional spices such as allspice, ginger, coriander, and cardamom. When combined with the orange zest, kosher salt, and white pepper, these spices create a lovely balance between sweet and savory. It’s a unique blend that’s not too overpowering but still adds an exotic twist to your standard spaghetti squash recipe.
The recipe calls for olive oil and butter as the cooking fat – this combination of oil and butter brings out an added depth of flavor that other recipes might lack. It also gives the dish a luxurious creaminess and enhances the Middle Eastern flavors further.
Moreover, this dish is versatile enough to be paired with many different sides or styles of cooking. It can be served on its own or paired with anything from baked chicken to chickpeas to tempeh stir fry or even used as a stuffing for squash boats or casserole dishes!
In conclusion, what’s not to love about this Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash Recipe? It is packed with bold flavors yet is still simple and easy enough to prepare at home. It accommodates any dietary need while remaining endlessly delicious. Trust us; this dish will quickly become one of your favorites!
Ingredient List
Before we get started cooking our Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash Recipe, let’s prepare our ingredients. Here’s what you will need to create this wholesome and flavorful dish:
For the squash:
- 1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise with seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
For the seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons of za’atar spice seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon of allspice
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- Zest of 1 orange
For baking:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Note: The amount of spices in this recipe creates a Moroccan spiced spaghetti squash. You can adjust the amount and type of spices to cater to your preference.
Now that we have all our ingredients ready to go, let’s move on to the recipe how-to!
The Recipe How-To
Now, for the fun part: creating this Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash Recipe! Trust me when I say, it’s worth every step.
Ingredients:
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
Directions:
Step One: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step Two: Cut and remove seeds
First, cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Tip: Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the seeds!
Step Three: Season
Drizzle the two tablespoon’s of olive oil over both halves and use a pastry brush to spread evenly across the flesh.
Step Four: Spice blend
In a small bowl, mix together the spices (white pepper, allspice, ground ginger, ground coriander, ground cardamom) and kosher salt.
Step Five: Seasoning
Rub the spice mixture all over both halves of squash. I like to use my hands to really work the seasoning in!
Step Six:Bake
Place each squash half face-down on a baking sheet and bake for about 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily pierce it with a fork.
Step Seven:Scooping
Once baked through, remove from oven and let them cool for a few minutes so you don’t burn yourself when scooping out their tasty insides!
Step Eight:Serving
At this point, you can serve as is as a delicious side dish, or get creative with one of our suggested serving ideas below.
This recipe for Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash is so easy and versatile – there’s almost no excuse not to give it a try!
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I know that sometimes ingredients aren’t always readily available, or you may just want to switch things up a bit. Luckily, this Middle Eastern style spaghetti squash recipe lends itself well to substitutions and variations that will still result in an incredibly delicious dish.
– Squash: While spaghetti squash is the star of this recipe, you could also use butternut squash, acorn squash, or even zucchini for a similar texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
– Spices: The Moroccan spiced blend of allspice, ground ginger, ground coriander, and ground cardamom can also be substituted with your favorite curry powder or even just a simple blend of salt, white pepper, and orange zest. Za’atar spice blend is another great option to add some herby brightness to the dish.
– Toppings: I love to top this spaghetti squash with everything from crumbled feta cheese to diced avocado to roasted chickpeas or kale. You could also try adding some cooked ground beef or turkey for added protein or swap out the parmesan cheese for crumbled goat cheese.
The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own spin on this Middle Eastern style spaghetti squash recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve cooked and plated your Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash recipe, you can take a moment to admire the stunning array of colors and flavors that come together in one fantastic dish. The squash itself presents an attractive deep-orange hue, beautifully contrasting against the vibrant colors of the chickpeas and kale.
Served immediately after cooking, this dish provides a feast for both your eyes and taste buds. However, if you’re seeking to pair it with another little something or plan on serving it as part of a larger meal, we have some recommendations.
A simple cucumber yogurt salad would be a great accompaniment to this dish’s flavor profile. It’ll add a layer of creaminess that cools down some of the spicier notes while complementing the mild creaminess of the squash.
Additionally, this recipe would work fantastic as a side for baked salmon or grilled chicken skewers. The distinct flavors still shine through but work in unison with savory proteins without overpowering each other.
If you’re looking to keep it vegetarian or vegan-friendly, try serving up this Spaghetti Squash recipe alongside Roasted Potatoes with Za’atar or Quinoa Tabbouleh. The mix of textures and spices will have everyone at the table devouring every last little bit.
Regardless of what you choose to pair this dish with, rest assured that you’ll end up with a satisfyingly comforting meal that hooks in everyone’s taste buds with its unique blend of Middle Eastern spices and savors.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy chef, I love creating recipes that can be made ahead of time and stored easily for later. This Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash dish is perfect for meal prepping or those busy weeknights!
To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking the squash. Instead, cover the squash halves with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready, preheat your oven and bake as directed.
Looking to store any leftovers? Allow the squash to cool slightly before scooping it into an airtight container. You can store the cooked squash in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. When reheating, I recommend using the oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave as it can lead to soggy squash.
To reheat in the oven, simply preheat your oven to 350°F and place the squash halves on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
I also love using any leftover spaghetti squash for “squash fritters” – simply mix in some flour, eggs and seasonings of your choice and pan-fry them until golden brown.
With these storing and reheating tips, you’ll never have to worry about wasting any leftovers from this flavorful Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash recipe.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash recipe, there are a few tips I can give you to ensure those perfect results that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
First of all, be sure to remove the seeds from the squash before baking it. This will make it easier to shred later and give you a smoother texture. Be careful not to overcook the squash, as it can become mushy and lose its appealing texture.
When seasoning the dish, don’t be afraid to play around with the spices according to your preferences. My personal favorite is using Moroccan spices like allspice, ground ginger, coriander, and cardamom, as they infuse a rich Middle Eastern aroma and taste into the dish.
It’s also important to use good quality olive oil and butter for sautéing the vegetables and roasting the squash. These ingredients complement each other well in terms of flavor and produce a nice golden color on the squash.
Lastly, don’t forget to let the roasted spaghetti squash cool down before shredding it. If you start too soon, you’ll burn yourself and have a hard time getting spaghetti-like strands.
Keep these tips in mind when cooking this Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash recipe, and I’m sure you’ll have a delicious dish that will transport your taste buds straight to Morocco or any other Middle Eastern country.
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, this Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash Recipe is a flavorful and healthy meal option that anyone can enjoy. With its unique blend of spices and herbs, this dish will take your taste buds on a journey to the exotic lands of the Middle East. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make and customizable to fit your tastes and dietary preferences.
So why not shake up your spaghetti squash routine with this Moroccan-spiced goodness? You won’t regret it. Impress your dinner guests with this beautifully plated dish that is sure to satisfy any appetite. Whether you’re a fan of spicy or savory flavors, this recipe has got you covered.
With all these benefits and options, there’s no reason not to try out this amazing Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash Recipe. Be sure to get creative with your substitutions and variations, share it with friends and family, or even try some of the other squash recipes mentioned in this article.
Thank you for choosing to join me on this culinary adventure. May your future meals be as bold and exciting as this one!
Middle Eastern Style Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash, cooked by your favorite method and separated into strands (See How to Cook Spaghetti Squash)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- salt, to taste
- white pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
- 1 orange, zest of
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter and oil then stir in spices, except salt and pepper.
- Cook for about a minute.
- Stir in squash and sauté until well coated, adding white pepper and salt to taste.
- Remove to serving dish.
- Sprinkle with toasted almonds and orange zest just before serving.