Healthy squash recipes can add to your list of favorite comfort foods without guilt as it is rich in nutrients that make the body healthier.
Squash is no doubt a very comforting ingredient that you can add to your favorite food. It comes from a Native American term that means raw or uncooked. Aside from that, it is a healthy food source that you can either steamed, roast, baked, and boiled. Hence, it is a versatile kind of produced with two main types: summer and winter squash. The summer squash is best harvested during its immature stage, while the winter squash needs more time on the vine and has a tougher exterior. Therefore, this healthy squash recipe will make you slash both calories and carbohydrates by 75%.
It is a creamy casserole recipe that can make you feel good right after every spoonful. Roast the squash instead of cooking it inside the microwave. Suppose you want to make the most out of this recipe. Roasting makes the flavor more intense, and it activates the sugar.
Healthy Squash Benefits
This fruit, by the way, is very rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that play a vital role in fighting the bad effect of stress in the body. In effect, it may help in preventing the development of cancer.
Eye Benefits
It has the right amount of vitamins C and nutrient that is good for better eye health like beta-carotene. One can decrease the chances of eye diseases or vision loss. Also, food with more Vitamin C may prevent the growth of cataracts.
Skin Benefit
The beta-carotene found in squash plays a good role in protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Nutrients from Squash
You can get numerous nutrients from this amazing fruit, such as fiber that aids in proper food digestion. On the other hand, it is a good source of other nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, Vitamin A, and B6. Weight-conscious individuals will love the fact that one serving only has 63 calories and 16 grams of carbohydrates. It has very little fat and 1 gram of protein, and 3 grams of sugar.
Squash Preparation
Squash is always available inside the grocery store and farmer’s market. Hence, it is also very easy to grow squash in your backyard. The ideal growth condition may depend on its variety, but squash generally loves direct sunlight. That is why it is perfect for planting it around your garden, where there is easy access to sunlight. There are many ways to enjoy its rich taste, here is an easy and healthy squash recipe that will make you love it more.
Spaghetti Healthy Squash with Spinach and Artichoke
Serving Size: 4 servings
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Allergen: Dairy
Recipe Ingredients:
1 piece spaghetti squash or 2 to 3 pounds, seeds removed and cut lengthwise
3 tbsp water
1 pack of baby spinach
1 pack of frozen artichoke, thawed and chopped
4 ounces of cream cheese (you may use reduced fat), softened and cubed
½ Parmesan cheese, grated and divided
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black ground pepper
Garnish:
Fresh basil, chopped
Red pepper, crushed
Recipe Procedure:
1. Prepare and measure all ingredients accurately beforehand.
2. Using a microwave-safe dish, place the cut side of the squash down and put 2 tbsp of water. Put it inside the microwave uncovered on high heat for 10 to 15 minutes. If you have plenty of time, you can roast inside the oven or on top of the stove.
3. While cooking the squash, you can combine the 1 tbsp of water and spinach in a pan over medium heat. Stir and cook the spinach for about 3 to 5 minutes, then drain and transfer it to a large bowl.
4. Preheat your broiler first and put the rack at the upper third layer.
5. With a fork, scrape the squash inside out of its shell and put it in the large bowl. Place each shell on the baking sheet.
6. Add artichoke heart, spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt and black ground pepper into the squash and mix everything. Divide the squash mixture into the shell and top with some Parmesan and broil again until the cheese becomes golden brown for 3 minutes.
7. Garnish it with some fresh basil and red pepper according to your preference.
Recipe Notes:
Do you want healthier recipes? You can visit Main Dish now! This dish is perfect for breakfast and as an appetizer.