Feta cheese and spinach come together in this comforting baked spaghetti squash recipe.
The balsamic glaze adds a bit of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the briny feta.
Opt for cows-milk feta for a sharper taste or sheeps-milk feta if you prefer a more subtle flavor.
Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Place squash halves cut-sides up on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle with crushed red pepper and black pepper.
Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling
Drizzle each with 1 1/2 teaspoons oil.
Bake until the squash flesh is tender and the feta is lightly browned, about 45 minutes.
Add water, salt and the remaining 2 tablespoons oil; stir to combine.
Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling
Return the mixture to the squash shells; cut each in half widthwise.
Transfer each piece to a plate; drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Garnish with basil, if desired.
Cheese offers various nutrients, including protein and calciumandsome types of cheese are lower in sodium.
We think this dish would work well with any number oflamband pork recipes.
It would also go great with potatoes cooked any way you like them.
You could really pair this dish with just about anything.
Both balsamic vinegar and glaze may be purchased at your local grocery store.
The balsamic vinegar youll typically find at the grocery store is not considered true balsamic vinegar.
Instead, its a mix of grape juice, vinegar, coloring and additivesand thats fine for cooking.
When a recipe calls for balsamic vinegar, this is whats expected.
However, a true balsamic vinegar comes from Reggio Emilia in Italy.
With all that comes a hefty price tagsometimes in the hundreds of dollars to even thousands.
Additional reporting byCarrie Myers, M.S.andLinda Frahm
EatingWell.com, May 2024
