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 vegan take on classic shepherd’s pie is jam-packed with bold and rich flavours that will ensure no one will miss the meat. While a great source of fibre, lentils also contain the highest amount of folate out of all plant-based foods. Oven ready If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, you’ll need to transfer cooked lentil filling to a baking dish before topping with mashed sweet potatoes and baking.
Cauliflower has been having a moment lately, and this salad proves exactly why. Tender caramelized cauliflower is crowned in a glorious sweet and savoury crumble that will ensure it a place on your table all month long. Of all tree nuts, pecans have the highest concentration of flavonoids, which offer beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, and they also protect your cells from oxidative damage. Crumble perfection This crumble topping is too good not to use it on other preparations. Sprinkle over a carrot ribbon salad to add some extra pizzazz, use as a glorious garnish on a soup or stew, or consider generously spooning over your next vegetable “steak” to add some delicious textural variation.
This gloriously comforting dish gets its creamy lusciousness from a can of white beans. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand instead of broccoli. Pass the pasta Instead of regular pasta, consider serving this sauce over zucchini noodles, carrot noodles, or cooked spaghetti squash.
This nut-free take on classic queso dip is everything you want and more. Paired with chips, crackers, or crudités, this creamy, zesty, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying dip is easy enough to whip up for a cozy snack or as an appetizer for company. Go nuts! If you’re okay to eat nuts, try substituting sunflower seeds with 1 cup (250 mL) raw cashews.