Spaghetti squash in microwave how to#

There are multiple ways to cook a spaghetti squash: in the oven, in the slow cooker, in the Instant Pot (or pressure cooker), or in the microwave. While there are people who argue that the flavor that you achieve by cutting it in half and then roasting it is superior because you gain some caramelization (if you want to try this method, check out my friends Deanna and Serena’s directions), I believe that when you are first starting out cooking a spaghetti squash, the best approach is to cook it whole and then cut it in half once it is soft.

Spaghetti squash in microwave how to#

Because of it’s very hard outer shell, penetrating it with a knife and then slicing it in half can be a bit tricky, and actually kind of dangerous if you are using a dull knife (check out my tips on what knives you need and how to keep them sharp here). In fact, the hardest thing about making spaghetti squash is trying to cut it when it’s uncooked. Spaghetti squash is incredibly simple to prepare. In addition, spaghetti squash is a good source of fiber, which is important for our digestion and for helping us to feel full. While it may not be the nutritional powerhouse that some of it’s vegetable cousins are, spaghetti squash contains a number of important vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Manganese, Beta Carotene, and Potassium. While it can be used to serve this purpose quite effectively, I prefer to think of it as it’s own valuable and delicious ingredient. It’s recent popularity is, in large part, due to the carb-conscious and low-calorie fads, which encourage people to find alternatives to pasta. When cooked, the flesh of the squash comes out in strings, like spaghetti, hence it’s name. It is oval shaped and yellow on the outside. Spaghetti squash is a member of the winter squash family. Not anymore! Here are my tips on how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave, as well as a simple recipe to get you started. It’s very low in calories, so pair it with other healthy foods and toppings.Spaghetti squash is a fun and versatile fall and winter vegetable that can be used as an alternative to pasta or as it’s own delicious ingredient, but it can be intimidating and time consuming to cook. Spaghetti squash may cause food allergies for some people.

To maximize the potential health benefits of spaghetti squash, select healthy toppings and pair it with other nutritious foods like veggies, herbs, spices, heart-healthy fats, and lean proteins. While this can be very useful for those looking to lose weight, it’s important to avoid cutting calories too much, as severe calorie restriction can decrease your body’s metabolic rate ( 12, 13).Ī very low calorie diet can also lead to gallstones ( 14). Spaghetti squash is very low in calories. If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as swelling of your throat or tongue or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care immediately. If you have unexplained symptoms after eating spaghetti squash, stop eating it immediately and consult a medical professional. In some cases, consuming a food you’re allergic to can lead to anaphylactic shock, which is a life threatening condition. It’s not a well-known allergy, but reactions to related foods, such as pumpkin, have been documented ( 9, 10).įood allergy symptoms vary and can include hives, itching, swelling, and digestive issues ( 11). Some people may be allergic to spaghetti squash. Though spaghetti squash is highly nutritious, there are some things to keep in mind before adding it to your diet. Are there any reasons to avoid spaghetti squash?