Moroccan-Spiced Stuffed Spaghetti Squash | www.floatingkitchen.net

Moroccan-Spiced Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

What’s this? A vegetable? We haven’t seen one of those around these parts in a while.

Bah! Humbug!

But seriously. I need some vegetables before my brain turns into one giant Christmas cookie. Also I promised you some recipes with my homemade Preserved Lemons. You totally started making those, right? Right?!?!

If not, just lie to me. It’s totally cool. We can still be friends.

Moroccan food is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of preserved lemons. So I tried to stick with that theme when I created this Moroccan-Spiced Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe. I combined some cooked spaghetti squash with preserved lemon peels and other traditional Moroccan ingredients like cumin, coriander, parsley and dried fruit. Then I stuffed the emptied spaghetti squash shells with this mixture and re-baked them for a few minutes. The end result is a super satisfying and healthy vegetarian side dish (or a somewhat lighter main dish). I hope you give it a try. I know you’ll love it!

OK, folks. Thanks for being patient with me. On Friday we’ll return to our regularly scheduled programming (i.e. baked goods!).

Cheers,

Liz

Moroccan-Spiced Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Serves 4

Moroccan-Spiced Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients

  • 2 spaghetti squash
  • About 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp. salt, divided
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/3 cup minced shallot
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
  • 2 tablespoons preserved lemon peels, finely chopped
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scrape out and discard the seeds. Coat the flesh of the spaghetti squash with about 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. of the salt and the black pepper.
  3. Place the squash cut-side down on a large rimmed baking pan. Transfer to your pre-heated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Remove from the oven and set aside until the squash is cool enough to handle, about 10-15 minutes. Leave your oven on.
  4. Once the squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the flesh out and into a big bowl, making sure to leave a little bit of the flesh attached to the skin (this will help the squash hold it's shape). Place the emptied squash skins face-up on the rimmed baking sheet. Set aside.
  5. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in the cumin, coriander, preserved lemon peels and the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the parsley, golden raisins and feta cheese. Add the scraped spaghetti squash flesh to the skillet and toss gently to combine it with all the other ingredients.
  6. Spoon the filling into the emptied squash skins. Do not pack it in too tightly. Transfer the squash back to your oven and cook for about 5 minutes, or until everything is warmed through. Remove from the oven. Serve while still warm.
  7. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
https://www.floatingkitchen.net/moroccan-spiced-stuffed-spaghetti-squash/

29 comments on “Moroccan-Spiced Stuffed Spaghetti Squash”

  1. Hhahah Bam Hamburg!! These look really delicious girl!

  2. Haha YAY FOR VEGGIES! Especially since I have a huge spaghetti squash that I’ve been hiding from myself because i have no idea what to do with it. But now I do!

  3. You never cease to amaze me with your creative dishes, Liz! I’ve never actually had moroccan food before, but I’m loving this spaghetti squash! It sounds so flavor, especially with the raisins and feta cheese. This will definitely help balance out all of those Christmas desserts!

  4. Do you deliver? Because I’m two more cookies away from turning into a cookie. This recipe is fab!

  5. Mmmmm, squaaaash. I bought a spaghetti squash a few weeks ago and haven’t gotten around to making it yet. I think that needs to change now that I have this gorgeous piece of inspiration.

  6. I’m suffering from the same Christmas cookie “problem” in that I’m not sure I’ll know how to return back to normal life once this whole holiday thing is over, haha! I’m obsessed with spaghetti squash and I’m loving this warmly spiced Moroccan idea. So good, and just what I need to un-cookify my brain!

    • Our “problems” are REALLY bad, right? Ha ha. But yes, I’m having a hard time breaking the cookie habit right now. Once you start, it’s hard to stop!

  7. I’m loving the Moroccan flavors in this, especially the preserved lemon peel!

  8. I miss spaghetti squash so much because we can’t buy it where I live but I bet this recipe tastes amazing! If I ever get my hands on one I will definitely be going straight for this recipe!

  9. love that spice!

  10. haha, I do need some veggies to break up the cookies!!! this Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is awesome!!!

  11. This look delicious Liz! I bet the preserved lemon peels add a really interesting flavor! I know I love cooking with lemon zest. Is it similar? – I’ll have to try it!

    • Hi Karen! Preserved Lemon peel texture is soft and somewhat chewy. And it’s very lemony, but it doesn’t have that same nose-tickling astringency or bitterness that fresh lemon peel can have. It’s really easy to make your own, but you can also find it in specialty food stores.

  12. Yum, I absolutely adore spaghetti squash and yours look so amazing! Love those spices.

  13. Liz, this looks like JUST the thing to balance out my sugary blissed out state right now 🙂 And whaddaya know, I actually have a lone spaghetti squash looking to become this lovely stuffed squash tonight!

  14. Great presentation! We love what you did with the squash!

  15. Pingback: low carb mexican stuffed peppers - Healthy Seasonal Recipes

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