Spaghetti Squash for Spaghetti substitution?

My mom is a big spaghetti junkie, and sometimes she'll have spaghetti squash in place of spaghetti. I wouldn't say it's a complete substitution, but as long as you use it in spaghetti dishes the kids probably won't notice. Just make sure it's cooked thoroughly and soft enough and put it with red gravy or maybe a little butter and salt

I like spaghetti squash, but if you expect it to replace spaghetti, you're going to be disappointed... It's not the same at all. My son won't eat it either. But I suggest trying everything with the kids anyway, you never know what they're going to like (my two LOVE roasted Brussel sprouts!).

I put broccoli, garlic, and olive oil in my spaghetti. I love most winter veggies, but spaghetti squash is not one of them. It's also one of the only veggies my kids won't touch. It doesn't hurt to try.

I just serve my pasta sauce over chunks of grilled zucchini. Still tastes great, and you aren't trying to "trick" anyone.

I don't find spaghetti squash a replacement for spaghetti at all but I do love to eat it. I find my favorite way is to mix with mexican style spices and black beans, ground turkey and shredded cheese.
It's also very good with diced veggies and a little grated parm.

You may want to try the veggie pasta options with the kids, they don't need to know the different colors are veggies. I used to add frozen cauliflower to my mashed potatoes, took my husband 2+ years to catch on and he only did because he saw me add the cauliflower. Another good sneak is ground zucchini into a pasta sauce, easily disguised as spices if you grind it fine also in meatloaf grind down carrots and cauliflower really fine and mix right into your meatloaf they'll never know.

Oh yeah, I use spaghetti squash as a base for foods that I would pour over pasta all the time. It doesn't taste like pasta to me, but I do think it's very good!

I tried the substitution once and quite frankly I found it to be horrible. I think it works better to find ways to use more veggies *as* veggies in a tasty way than to try to make it seem like something it isn't. For example, try getting a butternut squash. Cut off the rind, hack it into chunks and bake it covered in a little olive oil, garlic and spices. SO GOOD. It's all about preparing and seasoning each type of vegetable for its best flavor and texture. Luckily, the internet is a vast repository of recipes, and nowadays most of them are rated so you're not going into it blind.

dawnmcneil10 wrote: »

I don't find spaghetti squash a replacement for spaghetti at all but I do love to eat it. I find my favorite way is to mix with mexican style spices and black beans, ground turkey and shredded cheese.
It's also very good with diced veggies and a little grated parm.

You may want to try the veggie pasta options with the kids, they don't need to know the different colors are veggies. I used to add frozen cauliflower to my mashed potatoes, took my husband 2+ years to catch on and he only did because he saw me add the cauliflower. Another good sneak is ground zucchini into a pasta sauce, easily disguised as spices if you grind it fine also in meatloaf grind down carrots and cauliflower really fine and mix right into your meatloaf they'll never know.

Definitely trying both of those ways. I've just done it as spaghetti and with olive oil/butter and herbs.

Hubby took the substitution well and he's my fussiest eater.

I served this at Christmas dinner. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/361132463844222322/

If you are working to make vegetables more appealing, you may also want to try veggie and fruit kabobs. Include marshmallows in the fruit kabobs.

I personally didn't like the taste of it, but zucchini spaghetti is really yummy.

You will be disappointed if you try to use it as a spaghetti substitute, but I do enjoy it from time to time.

Try making it with half spaghetti squash, half spaghetti. Roast the squash, pull strands with fork and add to half-cooked spaghetti. Sauté the rest of the way in cheap white wine and a Tbsp. of butter with some salt and pepper. I would personally also add sweet peas or broccoli. If they're very adventurous, mince and sauté some shallots on the side and have them sprinkle them over the top of their spaghetti.

We put zucchini, eggplant, and yellow squash, mushrooms, olives, onions, and peppers in spaghetti without modifying the noodles.. But since I like to eat low carb I usually fry cabbage(or steam) and eat my sauce on that.. Super yummy.

ericah971 wrote: »

I prefer spaghetti squash, i like the sweetness. You can eat a lot for very few cals.

My boyfriend enjoys it, but I do not (however, I personally do not believe there is a delicious substitute for pasta, as pasta is my favourite thing in the world). I have seen recipes that call for zucchini (grated/peeled to look like pasta) and carrot (grated/peeled to look like pasta). Might also be an option?