Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Serves 4 – 6 as a main dish or 6 – 8 as a side

1 spaghetti squash 2 large carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced 1 large yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes Red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of ground allspice 3 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 pound part-skim mozzarella 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Place the spaghetti squash in a large pot of water (it should float) and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and boil gently for 50 minutes. (Another option is to bake the squash first. Cut it lengthwise and place the halves skin-side down in a baking dish with an inch of water. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350º F for about 45 minutes, or until meat is tender).

While squash is cooking, peel and slice the carrots, celery, onion and bell pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the onion and carrot, with some water to prevent sticking. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add remaining vegetables with some red pepper flakes and a dash of salt, if desired. Sauté, stirring frequently, till vegetables are barely tender, about 10 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, basil and oregano to taste, and a sprinkle of ground allspice. Squeeze in 2-5 cloves of garlic. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, grate the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Remove squash from pot or oven and allow to cool until you can handle it. If it is whole, cut it in half lengthwise, then remove seeds with a spoon and squeeze any excess water out of meat. Remove meat and break it up into strands with a fork or potato masher. Mix squash well with vegetables and put half in the bottom of a large baking dish. Top with half the cheeses, the rest of the squash, and then the rest of the cheeses.

Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let cool 15-20 minutes before serving.