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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Weekend Kitchen. . .Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs

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I made this a few weeks ago and it was delicious.  It's a little different than the things I normally cook.  First of all, there's meat!  I don't even know if I've ever posted another recipe on my blog that included meat (other than bacon).  I'm not really a vegetarian but I just don't cook meat much at home.  I'm not really sure why?  Anyways, the turkey meatballs were delicious.  Even if you don't like the sounds of the squash, I would recommend making the meatballs.  You could use them lots of different ways, definitely with traditional spaghetti.
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{Recipe from the October issue of Martha Stewart Living}
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Ingredients:.
•1 spaghetti squash (about 3 pounds), halved lengthwise
•salt and ground pepper
•1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
•1 onion, finely chopped
•2 garlic cloves, minced
•1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
•1/2 ounce grated Parmesan cheese (3 tablespoons)
•1 tablespoon dried breadcrumbs
•8 ounces lean ground turkey
•8 ounces mixed mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster, cut 1/4 inch thick (about 3 cups)
•1 cup homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
•4 ounces baby spinach (about 5 cups)
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1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Season cut sides of squash with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake, cut sides down, on a baking sheet until tender, about 45 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Scrape flesh into strands using a fork. Let drain, covered to keep warm, in a colander set over a bowl.
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2.  Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic, stirring, until soft but not brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add oregano; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Divide mixture between 2 bowls.
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3.  Stir 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons cheese into 1 bowl of onion-garlic mixture. Mix in breadcrumbs, turkey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper using your hands. Form mixture into 12 balls.
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4.  Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs, turning, 4 to 6 minutes; transfer to a plate. Add remaining teaspoon oil to skillet. Cook mushrooms, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, adding a few tablespoons water if skillet browns too quickly, until soft and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add remaining bowl of onion-garlic mixture, meatballs, and stock; bring to gentle simmer. Cook, partially covered, until meatballs are cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Add spinach; cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
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5.  Divide squash and meatball mixture into 4 servings. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
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I thought this recipe made for a perfect Fall meal.  Enjoy!
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On another note, I'm settling in on this chilly Michigan night with a glass of wine and watching the election results come in.  I love election night - it really gets me fired up and I find it all so fascinating.  It's going to be an interesting night!
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10 comments:

  1. OMGoodness! I was just talking with my MIL today about how great squash is. LOVE this!

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  2. Oh my!! You are making me want to not be a vegetarian anymore. Haha!

    Spaghetti squash is on our menu this week too...although, just with alfredo sauce. I love it nonetheless!

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  3. Yum! This is something I have always wanted to try. Your recipe and picture's look and sound delicious! I am thinking we'll have to add it to the menu this week :)
    Wendy

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  4. YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM. That looks delicious!

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  5. This looks delicious Alissa! So funny -- I was just thinking today that I should try to make meatballs sometimes, something I've never made. I was going to look for a recipe but got side tracked. It looks like I found my recipe! Thanks :) And I love spaghetti squash. I've been making it quite a bit lately.

    We're watching the election results too :)

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  6. This looks SO good! I can't wait to try it out myself! :)

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  7. Oh my...the Ragu I planned for this evening just doesn't seem so good right now! That looks fabulous!
    Love your latest project too....Golf clubs! Neat!
    And your Arizona vacation (unplugged) sounds like it was perfect!
    Enjoy the week!

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  8. It looks yummy! I hope you enjoyed your wine and the election results!

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  9. Thank you for this recipe, I've had a craving for pasta and this fulfilled every need. The meatballs are super yummy too!

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