Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes and Basil

Here’s another great spaghetti squash recipe from steamykitchen.com.  If you’re only feeding 4-6 people, I suggest cooking the spaghetti squash whole, then only using half of the squash when you’re ready to sauté with the tomatoes.  I like my spaghetti squash not too hard, not too soft. It shouldn’t be mushy, you should be able to still separate the strands of squash.  Serves 8-10.

Ingredients:
1 spaghetti squash
1 Tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tomatoes, chopped
few basil leaves, chopped
salt and pepper
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
¼ cup grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese

Procedure:

1. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully pierce (I really mean stab) the spaghetti squash in a few places (about 6 slashes is good).  Microwave on high for 10-12 minutes, turning/rotating the squash halfway during cooking.  A fork should very easily pierce through the squash;  if there is resistance, microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes.
2. Let squash cool for a few minutes before handling.  Carefully (the squash will be steaming hot!), use a chef’s knife to cut the squash in half, lengthwise.  The squash should be soft and easy to cut.  Remove and discard the seeds.  Use two forks to scrape apart the strands of the squash.  Compost or discard the skin.
3. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat with the olive oil. Add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.  Add in the tomatoes and basil and cook for 2 minutes.  Turn heat to medium-high and add in the spaghetti squash and toss.  Season with salt and pepper and drizzle in the balsamic vinegar.  Taste the squash – adjust seasoning and if the squash still needs a bit more time to cook through, cover and cook for 2 minutes.  If the squash texture is perfect, toss in the grated cheese and serve immediately.