Eating spaghetti squash has become very common in our household recently. I am still working on discovering what goes best with spaghetti squash and this week it was curry 🙂
FOR THE SQUASH:
2 medium spaghetti squash
2 tbsp olive oil
a pinch of salt and black pepper on each half
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Wash and cut the squash in half, lengthwise. Scoop the seeds with a spoon and discharge them. You could also save them and roast them for a snack.
Sprinkle the squash with salt, black pepper and olive oil. Place the squash in a backing tray lined with parchment paper; cut side down. Cook it for about 30 to 45 minutes, depending of the squash and oven. The squash is done when it’s tender and you can easily pierce a fork through the flesh.
Using a fork to separate the flesh into strands. I prefer to leave them right therein their own skin.
Serve immediately by itself or seasoned with veggie and / or meat sauces.
FOR THE CURRY CHICKPEA – LEEK
1 large leek
1 medium carrot
4 white mushrooms
2 cups of chickpea ( home cooked in advance )
1 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp cumin and turmeric powder
2 cups of veggie broth
( just to stay on the vegetarian side; you can use the chicken broth if you prefer )
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
First you need to start by cutting and cleaning the leek. When I buy leek I always cut it, clean it and store it in the fridge in a veggie bag, portioned for stews or soups. I try to use it within 2, max 3 days after I buy it.
I discharge the dark green ends ( the very dark and thick ones ) and use the light green and white parts. Cut it in half, lengthwise, and wash it in running cold water, thoroughly. If you have the time let it stand for about half an hour in a large bowl of cold water. You would be surprise of the deposit of dirt and sand from the bowl’s bottom. If you want to use the darker, greener part, cut them thin and start by adding those part to the pan after that the light green ones and the last the white parts. Like this you give enough time for the green ends to tenderize. I try to waste as little as possible every time by adding the dark green parts when I cook a veggie or chicken broth. It will add lots of flavor to the broth.
Coming back to the leek chickpea boats;) Heat a pan over a medium heat. Add the olive oil and the leeks cut in small slices. Season with the salt and pepper. Add the grated carrot. (about one cup grated carrot ) and about half cup of broth and cook uncovered. When the leek start to tenderize ( about 5 -7 minutes ) add the other spices and mushrooms and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the chickpea and broth and simmer on low heat until the liquid is thickened.
Serve it over the ready squash boats ! There is only one more thing to add: yummy !
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