Healthy Booty: Spaghetti Squash with Veggie Hash

Some days I come home from work, and I am positively ravenous. Sure, these days usually coincide with a lack of an afternoon snack - just typing that makes me feel like I'm back in elementary school - afternoon snack - ha. I am a proud 5 to 6 little meals/snacks-a-day-gal and without said snacks, I get cranky. This healthy twist on spaghetti (squash) warms the tummy and is a good choice if you eat a snack close to dinner, like somebody I know. Not to mention spaghetti squash has 50 calories per cup and 2 grams of fiber making it a low calorie and carb substitution for whole wheat spaghetti weighing in at 200 calories per serving. I do love me some whole wheat pasta, but there is a time and place for every food. Speaking of, the veggie hash used here is super simple and features the antioxidant-rich artichoke! Make sure your artichokes are packed in water, not oil. They already have a yummy flavor, IMO, and don't need the added fat.

Ingredients:

1 spaghetti squash
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 medium onion
3 garlic cloves
5-6 artichoke hearts, quartered (half a can)
2 c. spinach
1 c. green beans (can be replaced with whatever veggies are on hand)
pinch of salt
pinch of basil
1/4 c. grated parmesan

Directions:

1. Poke squash with a knife 4-5 times and microwave for 10 minutes, flipping squash every 2-3. Cut open and set aside to cool. SO EASY

2. Chop all veggies, if artichoke hearts are whole cut into quarters.

3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add onions. Saute for a few minutes until tender.

4. Add other veggies and seasoning, reserve the parmesan.

5. Saute for about 5 minutes, mixing as necessary.

6. Scoop seeds out of squash and discard.

7. With a fork, gradually shred and scoop out layers of spaghetti squash into a bowl.

8. Sprinkle a little parmesan and a dash of olive oil onto shredded squash. Stir.

9. Put half of the veggie hash on top of squash and half of the reserved parmesan.

10. Allow cheese to melt, or microwave for 30 seconds.

And because you just can't get enough, here are some bootylicious links:

-Vegetarian Christmas Recipes courtesy of my mom and Saveur

-The most adorable tasty holiday party treat, and inspiration for a soon to be bootyfied recipe

-Hilarious dating story from (No) Sex & the City