November 22, 2024

Indian-spiced Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Have you noticed ALL the squash at the grocery store (even more abundant, probably, at your local farmer’s market)?  Oh, h-a-p-p-y me!  This week there were quite a few small-ish spaghetti squash…so I snatched up 3 of ’em!  They are the perfect size for a meal for two (and some leftovers).  Spaghetti squash, as most of you know I am sure, is a really good substitute for traditional spaghetti…minus most of the carbs.  Here is some nutrition info for spaghetti squash.  This fits in so well with our ‘healthy but oh-so-yummy‘ POV.

My husband Robert’s favorite rendition of “spaghetti squash and…” is with Italian spaghetti sauce and meatballs.  But me…I am not a huge fan of so much liquid being dolloped over top the prepared spaghetti squash.  So this is what spaghetti squash #1 became….  The ‘warmth’ of the garam masala, the cumin, and turmeric spices added so much to fairly flavor-less ground chicken and spaghetti squash.  Enjoy!

Indian-spiced Spaghetti Squash

2015-09-14 20.40.38

ingredients

small (2#) spaghetti squash
1 pound ground chicken (or turkey)
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or extra-virgin olive oil)
1 small sweet onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons minced garlic
10-12 ounce package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
handful (or two) of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)

directions

  • cook the spaghetti squash (wash the skin off first). I usually just microwave it…in 5 minute increments ‘til the outside is softened and a sharp knife easily pierces the skin. (there are a number of other methods, click this link for some suggestions.) when done, set aside ’til cool enough for you to scoop it out
  • in a large saute pan, add 1 T of the oil and heat over medium heat
    add the ground chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes; remove from pan and set aside…season w/s&p
  • add the diced onion to the pan (and additional 1 tsp of oil, if necessary); 2015-09-14 20.15.50saute for 5 minutes or so
  • reduce heat and then add the seasonings and the garlic; continue to cook, stirring constantly, for another 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to blend together
  • then add the spinach, halved tomatoes, and peas; stir to combine.  pour broth evenly over top; cover the pan and simmer ‘til broth has been absorbed (just a few minutes).
  • meanwhile, using a fork, scrape out strands of spaghetti squash; season well with some additional s&p.  pile up in serving bowl to make a nest of the ‘noodles’; top with meat mixture (NOTE: if spaghetti squash has gotten cold, place in a small saute pan along with a pat of butter and gently heat)

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

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About coleen hayden

Coleen Hayden – Director of Women's Ministry - Prayer Ministry Leader - Blog Contributor
Coleen and her husband Robert have been married for 19 years and currently live in the Capital District area of New York State. They have one beautiful daughter, Kassia, who is married to Matt, and 4 delightful grandchildren Elijah, Kaylie Joy, Levi, and Rebekah. She enjoys sewing, cooking, and playing the piano.