Spiced Middle Eastern Spaghetti Squash Delight
Transform your typical spaghetti squash into a vibrant, aromatic dish with this Middle Eastern-inspired recipe. The tender strands of spaghetti squash are enveloped in a symphony of warm spices that impart a delightful flavor profile. Enhanced with the crunch of toasted slivered almonds and the refreshing brightness of orange zest, this dish offers a unique and satisfying one-dish meal that's perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Serve it warm and enjoy a taste adventure that’s both healthy and delicious.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1 (cooked by your favorite method and separated into strands)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon
ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon
ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon
allspice
1/8 teaspoon
salt
to taste
white pepper
to taste
toasted slivered almonds
1/2 cup (lightly toasted)
orange
1 (zest only)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the spaghetti squash using your preferred method until tender. Once cooked, separate the strands with a fork and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, combine the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once melted, add the ground cardamom, ground coriander, ground ginger, and allspice. Stir well to combine, allowing the spices to bloom for about one minute.
3
Add the cooked spaghetti squash to the skillet and toss gently to coat the strands evenly in the spiced butter mixture.
4
Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the squash is heated through and well coated.
5
Transfer the spiced squash to a serving dish. Just before serving, sprinkle with the toasted slivered almonds and freshly grated orange zest for a burst of flavor.
6
Serve warm and enjoy your culinary journey to the Middle East!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Middle Eastern Spaghetti Squash Delight?
It is a vibrant, aromatic one-dish meal that transforms tender spaghetti squash strands with warm Middle Eastern spices, toasted almonds, and fresh orange zest.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses spaghetti squash, butter, olive oil, and spices.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the primary spices used in this dish?
The dish features a blend of ground cardamom, ground coriander, ground ginger, and allspice.
How should I prepare the spaghetti squash?
Cook the squash using your preferred method until tender, then use a fork to separate the flesh into spaghetti-like strands before sautéing.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this vegan by substituting the butter with an equal amount of olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
What is the purpose of blooming the spices?
Blooming the spices in butter and oil for about a minute helps to release their essential oils and intensify their aromatic flavor.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of toasted slivered almonds for added crunch.
How much cardamom is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
Is white pepper necessary?
White pepper is used for a subtle heat that blends well with the warm spices, but you can use black pepper if white pepper is unavailable.
What does the orange zest add to the dish?
The orange zest provides a burst of refreshing brightness that balances the warmth of the cardamom and coriander.
How much ground coriander is needed?
You will need 3/4 teaspoon of ground coriander for this recipe.
What is the cooking time for the sautéing step?
Once the squash is added to the skillet, it should be sautéed for approximately 3-4 minutes until heated through.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground?
While the recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger for even distribution, you can use a small amount of finely grated fresh ginger if preferred.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How do I toast the slivered almonds?
You can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What category of meal does this fall into?
This is categorized as a One Dish Meal, though it can also serve as a flavorful side dish.
How much allspice is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of allspice.
Is this dish spicy in terms of heat?
No, the dish is aromatic and warm due to the spices, rather than being hot or spicy.
What part of the orange should I use?
You should only use the zest of the orange, which contains the fragrant oils.
Can I add other proteins to this squash?
Yes, it would pair well with chickpeas, roasted chicken, or even crumbled feta cheese.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
Specific nutritional values like calories and fat are not provided, but it is described as a healthy, vegetable-based meal.
What is the best way to serve this?
It should be served warm, garnished with the toasted almonds and fresh zest just before serving.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Olive oil is recommended for flavor, but you can use other neutral oils like avocado oil if necessary.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the squash, fats, spices, and garnishes.
Can I use bottled orange zest?
Freshly grated zest is highly recommended for the best flavor and aromatic impact.
What if I don't have ground cardamom?
Cardamom is a key flavor profile for this Middle Eastern dish; if missing, you might use a tiny pinch of cinnamon, though the taste will change.
Is this dish suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its unique flavor profile and beautiful presentation make it perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.