Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Dreams

Vegetable Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Spiced Yogurt Sauce

If a vegetable has a hole or cavity I will stuff it. I should have been a dude, God knows I have the humor of a 17 year old boy. But really, in all health coach seriousness, stuffing squashes is wonderful and handy for a few reasons:

1. You'll be straight feasting on a whole, filling, veggie based meal! HOORAY! AND YOU'RE GONNA FEEL GREAT ABOUT IT!
2. This stuffed squash in particular contains ALL OF MY KEYS TO A SATISFYING MEAL!     1) COLOR 2) TEXTURE 3) BUMPIN' FLAVOR 
3. Squashes and stuffing veggies can always be done ahead if you wish to prep a quick stuffing like I did during operation al fresco chicken sausage stuffed zucchini or in my zucchini boats!
4. It's an ideal way to USE YOUR LEFTOVERS AND GIVE THEM NEW LIFE! And, there are more notes below! 
5. Since you took my advice and cooked everything plain, you can add flavor to your food all week long with a little special sauce - or what I like to call my extra special flavor bangs!
6. Stuffed veggies are a hearty and delicious fall/winter meal!
7. This can be eaten room temp or warmed in the microwave or in a toaster oven and sauced afterwards!

Step 1
I took a roasted spaghetti squash and scraped some of the inside so it could be filled.

Roasted Spaghetti Squash

To roast a spaghetti squash:

• Cut in half and remove seeds
• Lightly coat rim and cavity of the squash
• Place face down on a baking sheet
• Roast at 425 until fork tender, about 40 minutes

Step 2
I took a bunch of veggie odds and ends and leftovers and made them into stuffing. Think pre-sauteed or steamed: spinach, kale, zucchini, mushrooms, peas, carrots, peppers and scallions. It's your world, stuff it real good! 

Leftover Veggie Stuffing

Step 3
Make a lovely dressing to add a creamy layer of flavor to this veggie based wonder! 

Spiced Yogurt Sauce

To make spiced yogurt sauce combine all of the below in a food processor, blender or use an immersion blender to combine! 

• 1 container of Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp. coriander seeds
• 1 tsp. turmeric 
• 1 T. extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lime + zest

Step 4
Make your palate dance by adding a pop of pomegranate - not only a great way to create a colorful plate, but a small blast of sweet tang to go with your spicy sauce and veggies! 

Pomegranate Seeds

Notes + Swaps

• No stuffing? Make a freestyle one by throwing anything from leftover quinoa, beans, veggies and meat, tempeh or tofu into a pan for a quick saute! Stuff and go!
• Pomegranates are a pain! 1) Stop it immediately, you can get them pre-peeled OR 2) Top this with a nut of choice or dried currants, cherries or dates! Have fun based on the flavors you like!
• Not into turmeric and yogurt and/or vegan? That's ok! If your vegan and love yogurt, reach for a coconut based yogurt! Or you can make a simple vinaigrette using oil of choice and an acid! Or rock some guac and top with a speedy guacamole and have a full blown veggie bonanza! 

ENJOY!

And get in the kitchen! 

XO