Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash Delight
Indulge in a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. This Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash Delight combines the subtle sweetness of roasted spaghetti squash with the hearty goodness of chickpeas and the zesty kick of canned tomatoes with green chilis. Enhanced by aromatic herbs and topped with creamy feta, this dish is a delightful way to enjoy healthy, low-calorie dining. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe offers a satisfying and nutritious option for those looking to enjoy a balanced meal without compromising on taste. It's a winning dish that's great for meal prep or a weeknight dinner, and at just 4 WW points per serving, it fits perfectly into a weight-conscious lifestyle.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti squash
2 lbs (raw, halved and seeded)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
Scallion
1/2 cup (sliced (white and green parts))
Garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
Canned diced tomatoes
14 1/2 ounces (undrained)
Canned chickpeas
1 cup (drained and rinsed)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon
Lemon zest
1 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Dill or fresh mint
1/4 cup (chopped)
Fat-free crumbled feta
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your microwave. Carefully cut the raw spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Place the squash halves cut side down on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until tender. Allow to cool slightly before scraping the flesh with a fork to form strands.
2
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced scallions and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant.
3
Add the undrained canned diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed chickpeas, dried oregano, and lemon zest to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4
Using a fork, gently scrape the spaghetti squash strands into the skillet with the tomato and chickpea mixture. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and any excess moisture to evaporate.
5
Remove from heat and fold in the freshly chopped dill or mint. Spoon the mixture into serving bowls and sprinkle with fat-free crumbled feta cheese on top. Enjoy your nutritious Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash Delight?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines roasted spaghetti squash, chickpeas, canned tomatoes, and fat-free feta.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is a vegetarian-friendly option.
How many Weight Watchers points is this recipe?
This recipe is approximately 4 WW points per serving.
What is the main vegetable used?
The main ingredient is a 2 lb spaghetti squash.
How do I prepare the spaghetti squash?
Cut the raw squash in half lengthwise, remove seeds, and microwave cut side down for 12-15 minutes.
Do I need to rotate the squash while microwaving?
Yes, turn the squash halves every 3 minutes until tender.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe uses 14.5 ounces of canned diced tomatoes.
Should the canned tomatoes be drained?
No, use the canned diced tomatoes undrained.
How many chickpeas are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of canned chickpeas.
How should the chickpeas be prepared before adding them?
The chickpeas should be drained and rinsed.
What dried herb provides the Mediterranean flavor?
One teaspoon of dried oregano is used for seasoning.
Is there any citrus in this recipe?
Yes, the instructions include 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
Which part of the scallions should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of sliced scallions, including both white and green parts.
How long do I sauté the aromatics?
Sauté the scallions and garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
How do I create the 'spaghetti' strands?
Once cooked, scrape the flesh of the squash with a fork to form strands.
What fresh herbs are recommended for the finishing touch?
You can use 1/4 cup of freshly chopped dill or mint.
What type of cheese is used as a garnish?
The dish is topped with 1/4 cup of fat-free crumbled feta cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for low-calorie diets?
Yes, it is specifically described as a healthy, low-calorie dining option.
Can this dish be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe consists of 12 ingredients.
When do I add the fresh herbs?
Fold in the fresh dill or mint after removing the skillet from the heat.
Do I need to add salt and pepper?
Yes, season the mixture with salt and pepper to your personal taste.
What temperature should the tomato mixture reach?
Increase the heat to high and bring the tomato and chickpea mixture to a gentle boil.
How do I combine the squash with the sauce?
Scrape the strands directly into the skillet with the tomato mixture and stir to combine.
What is the purpose of cooking the mixture for a few minutes after adding squash?
It allows the flavors to meld and any excess moisture to evaporate.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
While not explicitly tagged, the ingredients listed like squash and chickpeas are naturally gluten-free.
What is the overall flavor profile?
It features a subtle sweetness from the squash, a zesty kick from the tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.
How is the dish served?
Spoon the mixture into bowls and sprinkle with the fat-free feta cheese on top.