Mediterranean Paella on Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this unique twist on traditional paella, served on a bed of roasted spaghetti squash. This delightful dish features a medley of fresh seafood, spicy chorizo, and colorful vegetables, brought together with aromatic spices and a touch of saffron. Not only is this recipe rich in flavor, but it’s also a healthier alternative to classic rice-based paella, making it perfect for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal while watching their carbs. Gather your family and friends, and enjoy a shared dining experience that’s both delicious and visually stunning.
N/A
Servings
308
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti Squash
1 (Poked with fork and cooked)
Butter
3 tablespoons (For mixing with squash)
Chorizo Sausage
1 (Sliced (approx. 115 g))
Red Bell Pepper
1 (Seeded and diced)
Onion
1 (Finely chopped)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (For browning the sausage and vegetables)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Finely chopped)
Paprika
1 teaspoon
Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Saffron
1/2 teaspoon
White Wine
1/2 cup (For deglazing the pan)
Diced Tomatoes
19 ounces (Drained)
Chicken Stock
1/2 cup
Fresh Mussels
1 lb (Cleaned)
Frozen Green Peas
1 cup (Thawed)
Haddock or Cod
3/4 lb (Diced)
Frozen Medium Shrimp
1 lb (Skinned)
Italian Parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Salt and Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the spaghetti squash. Use a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the squash. Place it in the microwave and cook on high power for approximately 15 minutes, or until tender to the touch. Allow to rest for 10 minutes, then carefully cut in half and remove the seeds. Use a fork to scrape out the flesh into a bowl, mixing it with butter, salt, and pepper. Set aside to keep warm.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the sliced chorizo sausage along with diced red bell pepper and chopped onion until softened. Stir in minced garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, saffron, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
3
Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom, then add the drained diced tomatoes and chicken stock. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
4
Add the cleaned mussels and thawed green peas, cooking for about 2 minutes until the mussels begin to open. Next, add the diced haddock (or cod) and the skinned shrimp. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mussels are fully open and the shrimp are cooked through.
5
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped Italian parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6
To serve, place a generous portion of the prepared spaghetti squash on each plate, and ladle the flavorful seafood and sausage mixture over the top. Enjoy your Mediterranean feast!
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
19g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Paella on Roasted Spaghetti Squash?
It is a vibrant twist on traditional paella that replaces rice with a bed of roasted spaghetti squash, featuring seafood, chorizo, and Mediterranean spices.
Is this recipe a low-carb alternative to traditional paella?
Yes, by using spaghetti squash instead of rice, this recipe serves as a healthier, lower-carb alternative for those watching their carb intake.
How many calories are in one serving of this paella?
This recipe contains approximately 308 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides about 25g of protein.
How much fat is in this Mediterranean Paella?
There are 11g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 19g of carbohydrates.
How do I prepare the spaghetti squash for this recipe?
Poke holes in the squash with a fork, microwave on high for 15 minutes until tender, then scrape out the flesh with a fork after resting.
How long should the spaghetti squash rest after microwaving?
The squash should rest for approximately 10 minutes before you cut it in half and remove the seeds.
What should I mix with the spaghetti squash flesh?
Mix the scraped squash flesh with butter, salt, and pepper to taste, then keep it warm.
What type of sausage is used in this Mediterranean dish?
This recipe uses one chorizo sausage, approximately 115 grams, which is sliced and browned.
Which vegetables are sautéed with the chorizo?
The chorizo is browned along with one seeded and diced red bell pepper and one finely chopped onion.
What spices provide the aromatic flavor to the dish?
The dish is flavored with minced garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, saffron, salt, and pepper.
Why is white wine used in this recipe?
White wine is used to deglaze the pan, helping to scrape up and incorporate the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
What liquid base is used for the paella sauce?
The sauce is made from white wine, the liquid from diced tomatoes, and chicken stock.
How long should the sauce mixture simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
What kind of fish can I use in this recipe?
You can use 3/4 lb of either diced haddock or cod.
How do I prepare the mussels for cooking?
You should use 1 lb of fresh mussels that have been properly cleaned.
When should I add the mussels to the skillet?
Add the cleaned mussels and thawed green peas to the simmering sauce and cook for about 2 minutes.
What kind of shrimp are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of frozen medium shrimp that have been skinned.
How long does it take to cook the fish and shrimp?
Once added, cover the skillet and cook the seafood for 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and mussels are open.
What garnish is used to finish the dish?
The dish is sprinkled with 1/4 cup of freshly chopped Italian parsley before serving.
How is the Mediterranean Paella served?
Place a portion of prepared spaghetti squash on a plate and ladle the seafood and sausage mixture over the top.
Is this recipe considered gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as gluten-free.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of thawed frozen green peas, but fresh peas could be used if adjusted for cooking time.
How much saffron is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of saffron to achieve its traditional flavor and color.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, the main seafood and sausage mixture is prepared in a single large skillet, making it a convenient one-pot meal.
What should I do if the mussels do not open?
Any mussels that do not open after the cooking time should be discarded and not eaten.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to brown the sausage and vegetables.
How much butter is used for the squash?
Three tablespoons of butter are mixed into the spaghetti squash flesh.
Can I substitute the chicken stock with something else?
While the recipe calls for chicken stock, you could likely substitute vegetable or seafood stock if preferred.