Spaghetti squash (also termed as winter squash), contains very low amounts of carbohydrates and hence it is one of the most popular ingredients in low carb dishes. Because of few carbs in spaghetti squash, it can replace pasta in a low carb diet for individuals who want to lose weight. Other than using as an alternative, it also serves as a whole meal because it is enriched with high quality nutrients such as vitamin A, C, B6 and potassium etc. Both sweet and savory dishes can be prepared from spaghetti squash as it has a very mild flavor.
Carbs in Spaghetti Squash and Other Nutrients
One cup or 155 grams of spaghetti squash supplies approximately contains 10 g carbohydrates. More nutrition facts are shown below (Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet):
Nutrients |
Amount/PDV |
Calories |
42 |
Total fat |
0.4 g |
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
Sodium |
28 mg |
Potassium |
181 mg |
Dietary fiber |
2.2 g |
Sugars |
3.9 g |
Protein |
1 g |
Vitamin A |
3 % |
Vitamin C |
9 % |
Calcium |
3 % |
Iron |
3 % |
Low Carb Recipes for Spaghetti Squash
1. Mock Noodle Kugel
Low fats and carbs in spaghetti squash make this dish an ideal dessert for anyone who wants to lose weight. The ingredients listed here are for preparing sweet mock noodle kugel.If you don’t want a sweet taste and want to replace it with savory flavor, remove splenda, cinnamon and nutmeg. You can add sliced onion (one), minced garlic cloves (two) and a tablespoon of olive oil.
Ingredients
Spaghetti squash |
2 lbs |
Eggs |
2 |
Egg whites |
2 |
Slender sugar |
¼ cup |
Cinnamon |
1 teaspoon |
Nutmeg |
½ teaspoon |
Salt |
To taste |
Pepper |
To taste |
Directions
- Cut the spaghetti squash into two equal halves and remove all the seeds and strings.
- Take ¼ cup of water and place the spaghetti squash in it.
- Cover with a lid and place it in the oven for 8-10 minutes, so they will become soft. Allow them to cool.
- Prepare a baking pan (8 inch), cover it with non-stick spray and pre heat the oven at 400 degree.
- Take a bowl and remove all the spaghetti flesh.
- In a second bowl, lightly whisk the eggs and egg whites and add all the other ingredients in it. Mix the ingredients well with spaghetti squash.
- Pour the prepared mixture in the prepared pan.Bake for 10 minutes on high heat then lower the heat and bake for next 30 minutes until a golden crisp appears on top.
2. Mexican Spaghetti Squash Boats
Different Mexican recipes can be prepared with spaghetti squash, which give similar texture and flavor as that of spaghetti. Low carbs in spaghetti squash make the following Mexican boats both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
Spaghetti squash |
1 |
Hamburger |
1 pound |
Beef base |
1 tablespoon |
Liquid smoke |
1 tablespoon |
Minced garlic |
1 ½ tablespoon |
Dried onion |
1 tablespoon |
Onion powder |
1 tablespoon |
Chili powder |
1 ½ tablespoons |
Cumin |
1 teaspoon |
Shredded jack cheese |
1 cup |
Sour cream |
3 tablespoons |
Salsa |
¼ cup |
Directions
- Cut the spaghetti squash in to two equal halves and remove all the seeds.
- Place the cut side down over a cookie sheet. In the meanwhile, place the hamburger in skillet.
- Add liquid smoke and beef base. Add the dried ingredients and garlic in hamburger and allow it to cook.
- Cook the spaghetti squash so that the strings will be easily removed by using a fork, it will take about 35 minutes.
- Check if the hamburger is done.
- In the shell of spaghetti squash place some prepared hamburger mixed with spaghetti squash, add some shredded cheese and place it in oven set at 325 degree for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and serve fresh with salsa on top.