Ready in minutes, this Moroccan-spiced spaghetti squash with cumin, coriander and cayenne is an easy and flavorful side dish or vegetarian main.
I first tried Moroccan food when I was in Greece on my honeymoon. We sat outside at a tiny little restaurant with stray cats winding their way in and out of the tables. Although I’d had couscous many times, that was the only thing that was familiar about the food. It was the first time I’d had green olives warm in a dish (and I loved it so much that Moroccan chicken tagine is now a regular in my house.) It combined spices I used all the time – cumin, coriander, saffron – in ways I had never tried. This Moroccan-spiced spaghetti squash is far from and authentic Moroccan dish. But the blend of cumin, coriander and cayenne takes me back to that little restaurant… (Now if only I could open my eyes and actually be back in Greece… ah well…)
Cooking the squash in the microwave makes it super fact and super easy (like I made this for lunch while working). You can absolutely roast the squash in the oven if you like, but why? Fifteen minutes and this is a fabulous side dish or vegetarian main (I ate a bowl of it for lunch).
Like Moroccan food? What are your favorite dishes?
- 1 medium spaghetti squash, about 3 pounds
- 3 Tbsp. Ghee or unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- ½ tsp. ground coriander
- Pinch cayenne, or more to taste
- 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
- ½ tsp. honey
- Pierce the squash all over with a knife. Microwave for 6 minutes. Turn it over an microwave another 4 minutes. It should be a little soft to the touch. If still hard, microwave 2 more minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
- While squash is cooking, melt the ghee or butter in a small saute pan. Add the garlic and let cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the cumin, coriander and cayenne. Season with ½ teaspoon salt.
- Slice the squash in half and scoop out the seeds and discard. Use a fork to scrape the squash into a bowl. Pour the spice mixture over and toss to coat. Add the cilantro and honey and toss again. Season to taste with salt and serve immediately.
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