Things You'll Need:
- Your squash of choice
- Microwave
- Large knife
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Step 1
Lightly wash the squash to remove excess dirt from the skin.
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Step 2
Use a large, wide-blade knife to CAREFULLY cut through the squash length-wise into two equal pieces.
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Step 3
Scoop out all seeds from inside the squash.
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Step 4
Microwave version: Place the long halves of the squash face down on a microwaveable plate. Cook on high for about 7 minutes (depending on strength of microwave and size of squash). Cook until top of squash is soft when you poke it.
Oven version: Place squash face down on baking sheet. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 40 minutes, depending on size of squash. Cook until top of squash is soft when you poke it. -
Step 5
This next step depends on the type of squash you're making, and what you want to do with it.
For spaghetti squash: Use a fork and gently scrape the strands of squash from inside the skin. The flesh should separate in strands that look like spaghetti when cooked long enough.
For butternut, acorn and basically all other kinds of winter squash: use a paring knife to dice the squash inside the skin. Dice into desired-sized pieces. Then, use a spoon to scoop the pieces out of the squash skin. -
Step 6
Prepare as desired!!
Spaghetti squash can be used in any recipe, replacing the squash for the pasta. You can put a chunky tomato sauce on top, eat it with butter and salt, or, my favorite, a greek-style sauce! Saute up some tomato chunks, olives, artichokes, peppers, and anything else that strikes your fancy, with olive oil, garlic and onions.
Butternut squash is delicious with by itself with butter and salt. You can make it into soup, mashed squash, or, before cooking it, slice it into thin wedges and bake as a substitute for french fries!
