Bacon and goat cheese stuffed spaghetti squash
Description
In my house we love squash, and this recipe in particular is always in rotation during the colder months.
it's super easy and good for you and presents beautifully which is exactly why it is a go to for a quick weeknight or a low key meal with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange bacon on it.Cook bacon in the oven for 13 minutes or until desired crispness. When cooked, remove to paper towel to drain.
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While the bacon is cooking you can prepare the squash by cutting it in half with a sharp knife and removing the seeds with a metal spoon.
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Season the squash with salt and pepper and place cut side down on the lined baking tray you used for the bacon .
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Cook squash in the oven for 30-40 mins till flesh is fork tender.
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Meanwhile you can prep your other ingredients. Start by placing the baby spinach in a medium bowl and set aside. Chop bacon and set aside .Crumble goat cheese and set aside.
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Remove the squash from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes till you feel you can handle it comfortably.Use a fork to separate the strands of spaghetti squash, scoop about half the squash into the bowl with the spinach.
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Add ⅓ of the bacon and ⅓ of the goat cheese to the bowl and mix with tongs slightly wilting the spinach.
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Divide the mixture evenly between the two squash halves, top with remaining goat cheese and bacon . Season with fresh cracked pepper and serve with your favorite hot sauce. We like ginger goat harvest heat with this one.
Note
A note on knives
For this recipe you will need a very sharp knife to slice the spaghetti squash I suggest a chefs knife mine is 10 inches but you may prefer a longer of shorter one, or a a different knife entirely such as a cleaver all choices are valid just make sure it sharp, sharp knives prevent accidents and save fingers. In the fall I cook a lot of gourds so I usually have a sharp knife on hand. If you do not, consider sharpening your knife before slicing the squash, it will make your life much easier I promise.
Health benefits & magical properties
Spaghetti squash is one of my favorite gourds to work with, it's low calorie high fiber and packed with vitamins A, C and B6 essential to a healthy immune system. It is also loaded with antioxidants like beta carotene which help maintain vision and cardiovascular health. In a healthy diet it's a solid a delicious pick to base a meal around
Spinach is another heavy hitter for supporting a healthy lifestyle. In magic spinach is associated with vitality and strength and by looking at its health benefits we can see why. Like spaghetti squash it is loaded with vitamins A and C to help a strong immune system. It also contains high levels of nitrates and magnesium which aid cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. It is high in fiber aiding gut health and high in iron, beneficial to most but particularly important if you, like me, suffer from iron related issues such as anemia.
Goat cheese, not only is goat cheese delicious and another one of my favorite ingredients, it's also pretty dang good for you. Magically it possesses a nurturing energy that we see reflected in its health benefits, rich in phosphorus and calcium, the building blocks of strong teeth, nails and bones. It is a wonderful source of high quality protein useful in repairing tissue and building muscle. It is also suitable for many with dairy sensitivity.
Bacon, of course bacon is here for flavor first ,it combines with the other ingredients just perfectly. You might be surprised to learn it is also full of B vitamins that boost energy as well as being a rich protein source. It also contains Choline, a very important nutrient for brain health and specifically memory. So go on enjoy the bacon. It's actually quite good for you in moderation.
