This dish is a satisfying “bowl-in-one” supper. It’s low in calories, high in fibre, and a valuable source of vitamin C, manganese, and B6—all helpful antioxidants. Bake squash ahead, following our helpful tips, for an easy weekday meal.
Per serving:
Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Scrape seeds from cut squash a nd discard. Brush insides of squash halves with 1 tsp (5 mL) oil. Place cut side down on baking sheet. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until cut edges are turning golden. Baking time will depend on size of squash. You want the rind to give a bit when pressed with your finger. Remove and set aside until cool enough to handle.
While squash bakes, in heavy saucepan, heat remaining 2 tsp (10 mL) oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft. Do not brown. Add garlic, crumbled tempeh, and finely diced pepper and zucchini. Continue to sauté until tempeh is golden-tinged and vegetables are soft, about 7 minutes. Stir in coconut aminos (or a little less tamari sauce, if using) and seasonings. Fold in chopped spinach, cover, and remove from heat.
Scrape inside of baked squash with fork to remove spaghetti-like strands and place strands in clean dish towel, reserving squash boats. Squeeze strands until barely moist and place on cutting board. Coarsely chop. Add to tempeh/spinach mixture along with ricotta and half the mozzarella. Fold together until evenly mixed. Add more seasonings, to taste, if you wish.
Place squash boats, cut side up, on baking sheet. Spoon mixture evenly into boats. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over each.
Increase oven temperature to 425 F (220 C). Bake for 20 minutes or until piping hot. Then turn oven to broil, and broil squash until cheese is bubbly and golden, about 30 seconds.
Tips:
Looking to economize on cooking time? Squash halves can be baked ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bake, scrape out spaghetti squash, squeeze noodles dry in a kitchen cloth. Refrigerate noodles in airtight container. Stack empty, baked squash boats with paper towelling in between, tuck into airtight container, and refrigerate. Squash can be prepared a couple of days ahead.
This simple dessert celebrates the glory that is the summer strawberry. Don’t feel you have to stick to strawberries here; swapping them for ripe peaches would also make for a stunning ending to any meal. What to gild the lily with? Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Flower power Orange blossom water (also known as orange flower water) is produced by water distillation of the blossoms of a bitter orange tree. Just like rose water, a little goes a long way. So, take care and use just a drop or two, tasting as you go so as not to overwhelm but rather to complement the other flavours in a dish.
Ever thought about making burgers as an appetizer or as a potluck meal for friends and family? Try making your favourite burger into bite-sized portions. They might be small in size, but they won’t be small in flavour. These burgers also pair well with a Greek salad for a delicious mid-week lunch or dinner. Fresh is best Squeeze fresh lemon on patties while cooking to give them the fresh zing of citrus.
What worldwide vacation is complete without a stop in Italy? Dad won’t miss the meat in this flavourful mushroom alternative complete with Italian spices and a zesty vegetable tapenade. Portobellos have a uniquely “meaty” texture and act as a sponge to lock in loads of flavour. This meaty plant-based burger is sure to become a favourite—even with any meat-lovers in your life. Custom-made! Don’t be afraid to customize your burger buns to fit your patties. If your bun’s too big, trim off excess and save the trimmed bits of bread, but don’t discard. Instead, cut into small cubes; drizzle with some olive oil, sea salt, and seasonings of choice; bake at 350 F (180 C) for 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll have delicious homemade croutons for use in soups and salads throughout the week.
Next stop, Asia! This shrimp burger combines classic Asian flavours with unique toppings for rich umami flavour with the saltiness of the ocean. Whether served on a bun or over rice in a more traditional Asian-style meal, try some unique miso yogurt or wasabi mayo dressing for a fabulous flavour bomb. Keep those burgers juicy Place raw patties on a plate or tray, and cover and freeze or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to keep them together and to lock in moisture.