Monday, November 22, 2010

Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs

How about a dish of turkey with squash that has nothing to do with Thanksgiving? When I was digging through my files to locate the mini cranberry meringue pies the other day, I also found this healthy, autumnal meal from last October's issue of Living magazine. I have to admit, I haven't always been the biggest fan of spaghetti squash, but I think I've finally come around to really liking it. Here it's treated just like actual spaghetti with the meatballs piled on top of it, and with the sauteed mushrooms and greens, the sweetness of the squash is balanced. Now, you could go all the way with the theme and make a red sauce to top the spaghetti squash, but this dish was kept light with a sauce of simply simmered broth and extra vegetables.

A nice, big spaghetti squash was split down the middle lengthwise, seeds were removed, and it was roasted until tender which took about 45 minutes. When it was cool enough to handle, the skinny strands of squash were scraped with a fork into a colander and allowed to drain. Meanwhile, onion and garlic were sauteed and allowed to cool. Half of them were mixed into the ground turkey meatballs, and the other half were reserved for the sauce. The meatballs were browned in a large saute pan and then removed to a plate. Next, sliced mushrooms were sauteed, the reserved onion and garlic mixture was added to them, the meatballs were placed back in the pan, everything was covered with some stock, and it was left to simmer for a few minutes. Last, greens were added, and they could have been any greens but I used some local kale, and they were left to wilt before serving. The spaghetti squash was placed on plates and topped with the meatballs, mushrooms, greens, and sauce and hit with some grated parmesan.

I can't even remember how I last prepared spaghetti squash and why I then avoided it for so long, but I'm very glad I finally tried it again. With a dish that looks so much like standard spaghetti and meatballs, you don't even stop to consider that what you really have is a light and healthy, vegetable-heavy meal in disguise. And, now, enough of this talk of turkey with no mention of the big holiday. It's time for Thanksgiving week.



22 comments:

  1. I love spaghetti squash! That dish is marvelous. What a perfect combo.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  2. This is a delicious healthy meal! The turkey meatballs should pair nicely with spaghetti squash!

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  3. I've only made spaghetti squash once before but it didn't turn out that well... I have tried it in restaurants before and I liked it, so I'm willing to give it another whirl :) It might actually be a really good idea for me to eat it tonight... I ate a lot of junk this weekend (two birthdays AND a baby shower) so a nice spaghetti squash dish is perfect.

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  4. Now that's some turkey I could get behind! I haven't tried spaghetti squash as I usually find all squash to be pretty bland but this preparation sounds scrumptious.

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  5. Mouthwatering recipe. I've never tried squash in pasta before but sounds delicious.

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  6. Ive never tried spaghetti squash, but its supposed to be a really great and healthy alternative to pasta.
    It definitely looks great!
    *kisses* HH

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  7. I've had both good and bad experiences with spaghetti squash and I have to say, this looks like a GOOD one. So much flavor!

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  8. It's turkey! So why not Thanksgiving? I'll take it for Thanksgiving if someone else cooks! ;p

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  9. This looks soooo good!! So nice and healthy, and low carb!!

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  10. Spaghetti squash is so bland, it is perfect with these meatballs and greens; love it because it is light as opposed to the real thing that is so hard to take digestion-wise.

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  11. What a nice alternative to the usual pasta. So healthful, yet still hearty enough for these chilly, frosty nights.

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  12. I would never have thought to try this little combo, but dang girlfriend, it looks GOOD! My question is however.... Why Turkey? Turkey & squash are not normally paired together, Im mighty intrigued? Thanks for sharing, to the markets I go to find me some squash. :)

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  13. This dish looks excellent! A great combo!

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  14. Anna: Thanks! I believe turkey was chosen for the meatballs because it's lower in fat than ground beef and/or pork. Also, I don't eat red meat, so turkey was great for me. As for turkey with squash, those are two things (of many) that would be together on a lot of Thanksgiving tables.

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  15. I've always wanted to try spaghetti squash and with those delicious meat balls this might be the perfect time to try it!

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  16. This has healthy written all over it. I love spaghetti sqash as a substitute.

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  17. spaghetti squash is so fun. this is a great turkey twist--very appetizing work!

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  18. I haven't had much luck with spaghetti squash, although I love the "concept"

    I must be doing something wrong, but mine gets all mushy...

    yours, evidently looks superb!

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  19. This looks terrific! I've only tried spaghetti squash by itself. I love the idea of serving it this way. Have a lovely Thanksgiving!

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  20. Oh! What a great way to serve spaghetti squash...will definitely make this dish...looks SO SO yummie!

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  21. This sounds wonderful and your photos are just amazing!
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! :)

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  22. Just looks amazing, love this combination of flavors and the lean turkey would be just incredible.

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