SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH TWO SAUCES

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SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH TWO SAUCES

 

 

2 medium-size spaghetti squashes or1 large one

1/4 C. (59 ml) each raw toasted pine nuts and raw pumpkin seeds*

 

Wash squashes thoroughly. Cook until tender using either of the following

methods below.

 

To Bake

 

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, shiny side facing down. Pierce

squashes in several places with a fork to prevent them from exploding in the

oven. Place baking sheet on lower rack in oven. Bake at 400 F. (gas mark 6)

for approximately 1 hour or until skin feels tender when pressed.

 

Alternatively, cut squashes in half lengthwise, scoop out, and discard

seeds. Brush cut sides with canola oil and place cut side down on the baking

sheet. Bake at 475 F. (gas mark 7) for 45 to 60 minutes or until tender when

pressed.

 

To Boil: Pierce squashes in several places with a fork and put them into a

large stock pot with plenty of water to cover. Cover pot and bring to a boil

over high heat. Turn heat down slightly and boil gently 30 to 45 minutes.

Squashes are done when they can be pierced easily.

 

Remove squashes from oven or stock pot, and cut them in half lengthwise.

Gently scoop out seeds, and scrape pulp into a large platter using a fork

and spoon. Spoon a little of each of the sauces over the top, and garnish

with toasted nuts. Serve the extra sauces at the table. Serves 6.

 

ROASTED BELL PEPPER SAUCE

 

3 or 4 green or red bell peppers

1 1/2 oz. (45 ml) water

1/2 t. salt or to taste

1 very small clove garlic

Freshly ground black pepper

 

 

Wash peppers and lay them whole on a baking sheet. Place 3 " (7.5 cm) from

broiler and broil for 3 to 5 minutes. Turn 1/4 turn and repeat until

completely soft and slightly blackened, about 15 or 20 minutes.

Plunge peppers into a bowl of cold water, cool a few minutes, and rub skins

off with your fingers. Remove cores and seeds and put peppers into a food

processor.

Add remaining ingredients and puree until smooth. Adjust seasonings to

taste.

*This method of roasting peppers produces a moist pepper with a delightfully

grilled flavor. It also allows the skins to be removed easily.

 

NOTE: For a variation with visual pizazz, roast 1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow,

and 1 orange bell pepper. Then, whirl them together in the food processor to

a medium fine, chunky consistency. The colorful, mosaic-like result makes a

delightful presentation.

 

MUSHROOM SUN-DRIED TOMATO SAUCE

 

2 green bell peppers, cut into thin julienne, 2 " (5 cm) in length

2 large tomatoes, chopped

1 1/2 lbs. (679 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced

2 - 3 cloves garlic, crushed

1 C. (237 ml) sun-dried tomatoes

1/2 t. dried basil

1/2 t. dried thyme 2 bay leaves

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

1 1/2 t. salt or to taste

1/2 C. (118 ml) water

Juice of 1/2 lemon

2 - 3 T. cornstarch

2 - 3 T. water

 

 

Combine bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes,

basil, thyme, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, salt, water, and lemon juice in

a large wok or skillet and cook over high heat, stirring frequently, about 8

- 10 minutes.

 

Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl or cup and add to bubbling

sauce a little at a time, stirring constantly until thickened to desired

consistency, about 1 minute. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed. Makes 6

servings.

 

 

 

 

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