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Brittany Williams has taken the weight loss world by storm with her best-selling Instant Loss Cookbook. After reaching a peak weight of 260 pounds and spending a lifetime struggling with obesity, yo-yo dieting, autoimmune diseases, and chronic fatigue, Brittany changed her relationship with food and lost an astonishing 125 pounds in a year through diet alone.
Brittanyâs latest book, Instant Loss Eat Real, Lose Weight shows how to make this a sustainable lifestyle with kid and family-friendly mealsâfrom Strawberry Shortcake Oatmeal to Cowboy Chili to Easy 2-Minute Pork Chops. Members of her growing community have reported losing 50 and even 100 pounds themselves! This cookbook will help others achieve similar success with simple, delicious meals, nearly all ready in 30 minutes or less.
Where Do I Get Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is is a winter squash and is closely related to acorn and butternut squash. Typically harvested in the late summer and fall, but can usually be found year-round in the grocery store. Spaghetti squash is easily grown in most backyard gardens and takes about 100 days to harvest. This is a great article on how to grow your own spaghetti squash.
Recipe Tips & Substitutions
- Pick a small to medium-sized spaghetti squash to make sure it will fit inside your pressure cooker pot. Ideally your squash will be less than 8-inches in length to fit inside a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- Serve immediately or store the cooked squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For smaller squashes, cut the cook time down to just 12-15 minutes. A medium whole spaghetti squash weighing around two pounds requires about 18 minutes.
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Is Spaghetti Squash Truly Low Carb
So the next time you get the craving for a spaghetti dish, save yourself the calories and carbs and make this delightful vegetarian Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash recipe!
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Tips For Cooking Perfect Spaghetti Squash:
- If youre planning to make stuffed spaghetti squash like these taco boats, cut your squash in half lengthwise. For longer noodles cut your squash width wise.
- Spaghetti squash is easier to cut once its cooked, but the seeds are easier to scoop out before its cooked.
- Spaghetti squash is super versatile. Its great as a filler for stuffed peppers, a base for protein, or keep it simple and serve al dente with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- If youre only cooking 1/2 of a squash, reduce your cooking time to 3 minutes per pound. This is a rule for any electric pressure cooker. If you chose to cut your squash but want to cook it all, place the squash halves on the trivet, cut side up, and still cook for 6 minutes per pound.
- If youre filling your squash, you might want to bake the spaghetti squash in a baking dish for a few minutes to brown the top before serving.
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Why We Should Love Spaghetti Squash
- It is sooooo versatile! Make it sweet, savory, spicy, whatever! It will work. It’s a blank, mildly flavored canvas just waiting for you to create your masterpiece
- It’s full of fiber, low in carbs, high in nutrients and protein, and if we’re gonna compare it to pasta, it contains about 30 calories for one cup compared to most pasta that is easily over 100 calories
- It stores for a long time. If it’s fresh, you’ll be able to store it in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. However, when I talked to a guy at the Farmers Market, he says they last him until spring. I’m not gonna say this is right, just passin’ along his recommendations and I will test his theory this winter
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
You can cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot in just 7 minutes, plus the time it takes to come to pressure .
I feel like the Instant Pot isnt always a time-saver, but in this case, it totally is. It normally takes me 45-60 minutes to bake a spaghetti squash in the oven!
Now, Im sure you could probably bake the spaghetti squash whole if you wanted to, but I much prefer to slice it in half first, so that it cooks faster and so I can scrape the seeds out easily. When you try to scoop the seeds out AFTER the squash is cooked, I feel like you lose too much of the good, cooked squash in the process.
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The Best Healthy Spaghetti Squash Recipes Ever
- Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce swap the pasta here for spaghetti squash and top with mozzarella and brown it under the broiler
To make this marinara version, just use your favorite marinara sauce , mix it with your shredded squash, top it with another dollop of sauce. Mix together equal parts of parm and panko, add a sprinkle of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir a little bit of oil over the mixture, just to coat it, then sprinkle it on top of your spaghetti boats. Throw it under the broiler until it’s nicely browned, Voila!
You are going to LOVE this easy-peasy method of making spaghetti squash. Perfect for when you’re feeling like a healthy eating rock star, not when you’re wanting a giant bowl of fat-laden alfredo pasta cause that needs a permanent place in all of our lives at some point too.
Enjoy!
- 1 small to medium spaghetti squash
Is Spaghetti Squash Healthy
Spaghetti squash actually has many health and dietary benefits. One of the main benefits is how low carb it is in comparison to pasta.
One cup of spaghetti squash yields only 7 grams of carbs, with 1.5 grams of that being dietary fiber. That means only 5.5g of net carbs per cup!
In contrast, regular spaghetti has a staggering 43 grams of carbs, with only 2.5 grams being dietary fiber. That’s over 6 times the amount of carbs as spaghetti squash!
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Add 1 Cup Of Water To The Pot
How to cook spaghetti squash in instant pot. Place the trivet in the instant pot and add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pot. Release the pressure immediately and check to see if your squash is cooked. Close the lid and make.
Some people worry about the squash exploding, but that will not happen in a pressure cooker. Like the recipe below, use one cup of water, place squash on trivet and turn the vent to the sealing position and pressure on high for 12 minutes. Open the instant pot and add 1 cup of water.
Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds and fibers in the center. Once time is up, check that its tender and use a fork to shred the strands. Lock the lid in place and select manual/pressure cook.
Poke spaghetti squash all over with a paring knife. Lock the lid of the instant pot . Cut spaghetti squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
Place the trivet into the instant pot and add 1 cup of water. Select pressure cook and set the cooke time for 6 minutes per pound. See recipe card below for detailed cooking.
Scoop out the spaghetti squash seeds and bits with a spoon. Pressure cook about 20 minutes for a 3 pound squash. Slice it in half and scrape out all the seeds with a spoon or ice cream scoop
Can you cook a whole spaghetti squash in the instant pot? How to cook it in the instant pot: Remove the lid and set aside.
Set cook time to 7 minutes. Use the trivet handles to carefully remove the squash from the pot. Close and lock the lid.
Pin On Carb Life
How Long Does It Take To Cook A Whole Spaghetti Squash In The Instant Pot
I cook whole medium-sized spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot for 7 minutes with 10 minutes of natural pressure release.It usually takes about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and begin the cooking cycle. All together youre under 30 minutes, compared to using the oven which takes anywhere from 45-60 minutes. Keep in mind that the size of the squash you are cooking and your elevation can be a factor.
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Does Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Taste Like Pasta
Um, no. Lets not fool ourselves. As delicious and nourishing as veggie noodles are, they do not taste like real pasta.
Actually, spaghetti squash has a slight sweet and nutty taste. Although this isnt necessarily a bad thing. In fact, its a very good thing!
Why? Because the mellow flavor of the noodles takes on the flavor of whatever sauce you serve with them.
ALSO, making spaghetti squash in an Instant Pot cooks it to al dente. That is the preferred way to enjoy spaghetti/pasta, am I right? Just a little bit of a bite rather one big soggy pile of squash.
How To Cook Whole Spaghetti Squash In The Instant Pot
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Wondering how to cook a whole spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot? Its easier to cut and only takes a few extra minutes. I love that its an easy and hands-off vegetable that I can prepare quickly, and the entire family loves it!
Its seriously the best, a vegetable that can feel and even look like pasta. I love spaghetti squash to get extra vegetables into our favorite meals.
It might seem intimidating to cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot, but I assure you the pot makes it fool proof. Steaming spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot is fast and fuss free.
You could cook your spaghetti squash in the microwave or oven, but I love that I can set it in the Instant Pot and walk away while it cooks. Its my favorite part of using the Instant Potwalking away while something is cooking.
I love that the squash comes out more tender in the Instant Pot. Squash in the oven has always been stressful for me because I feel like it dries out a bit.
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What Makes This Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Recipe So Good
- The Instant Pot or pressure cooker makes spaghetti squash so tender, making it a perfect substitute if youre not eating pasta.
- This easy recipe is vegan, paleo, Whole30-compliant, gluten free, and dairy free, so its easy to fit into your dietary needs! 1 cup of spaghetti squash has 5g net carbs, so you can easily make this dish keto and low carb, too!
- Spaghetti squash is absolutely delicious with a ton of pasta sauces and toppings.
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How Long Does Spaghetti Squash Last
When stored in a cool, dry place, such as your pantry, an uncut spaghetti squash will last for 1 to 3 months. Avoid storing uncooked spaghetti squash in the refrigerator, as that can change the flavor of the squash and may make make it spoil faster.
A spaghetti squash should be firm and free of soft spots or dark spots. The stem should be intact and dry.
After cooking, leftover spaghetti squash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Whats The Best Way To Cook Spaghetti Squash
Determined to find the best method to cook spaghetti squash, I tested various methods for cooking spaghetti squashfrom microwaving and slow cooking to baking and pressure cooking. After cooking my weight in spaghetti squash, I can finally tell you that pressure cooking is the best and most effective way to cook this vegetable.
Ive extolled the virtues of pressure cooking before, and this is just more evidence of its awesomeness. My trusty stovetop pressure cookers have been workhorses in my kitchen for some time now, but these days, Im almost exclusively turning to my electric programmable Instant Pot.
Is Spaghetti Squash Good For Meal Prep
Yes. Spaghetti squash is my favorite side dish for prepping! You can get anywhere from 1-6 servings from a squash, depending on the size.
After cooking, I like to allow my squash to completely cool on a baking sheet before cutting it and separating it into meal prep containers. You can store your cooked squash in the fridge for up to 6 days or in the freezer for about two months.
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Why You Need This Recipe
- Spaghetti squash are found during the fall and winter months in North America. They are renowned for having long spaghetti-like strands that often serve as a low-carb and fiber-rich alternative to cooked pasta.
- The only problem with cooking spaghetti squash is that they are really hard to cut open. If you want to bake a spaghetti squash in the oven, you need to cut it open first. I always get really nervous about cutting myself because the squashes tend to be really hard and dense. See my related recipe for Crockpot Spaghetti Squash.
- This is the easiest way to cook a whole spaghetti squash because you dont have to cut it, poke it, or even prick it first. You literally just pop it into the Instant Pot electric pressure cooker and let the appliance work its magic. I created very similar recipes for Instant Pot Whole Butternut Squash, Instant Pot Whole Acorn Squash, and Instant Pot Whole Kabocha Squash.
How To Store Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti Squash will have longer shelf life with proper storage = less food wastage!
- Whole Uncooked Spaghetti Squash: Store in a cool, dry place in a single layer to allow air circulation. Dont refrigerate uncooked & uncut squash, as itll spoil more quickly in the fridge.
- Cut Spaghetti Squash: Tightly wrap the squash in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
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Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple
Do you wish you could find one-pot meals that are simple and easy to make and your family will love?
Youre about to find out how simple it is to make healthy, one-pot meals with your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker with my cookbook Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple. You can download it instantly to your phone, computer or e-reader, so its portable and can go with you anywhere!
With this book, youll get:
- Tried-and-true recipes the whole family will love including pot roast, spaghetti, tacos, carnitas, soups, and easy breakfast meals
- Instant Pot starter guide on how to use the buttons, tips and tricks, and more
- Printable shopping lists for ingredients
- Step-by-step video lesson on how to use your Instant Pot, pressure cooker safety, and some of my favorite tips and tricks
- Two-week meal plan that you can put into action for no-stress weeknight dinners
How To Make Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Whole
To cook a whole spaghetti squash in the instant pot:
Use a small knife to poke several holes all around the spaghetti squash.
Place the steamer basket in the bottom of the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Place the squash on top of the basket and close the lid. Turn the vent to SEALED and set to 15 minutes on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Use the quick release when finished. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes.
Use a large knife to cut the squash in half vertically then use a fork to shred into long spaghetti noodles.
Cut lengthwise:
Slice your spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds.
Place the steamer basket in the bottom of the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Place the squash halves cut side up on top of the basket then coat with avocado oil or olive oil. You can also season with salt and close the lid. Turn the vent to SEALED and set to 8 minutes.
Use the quick release when finished. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes then use a fork to shred into long spaghetti noodles.
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Place The Squash In The Instant Pot With 1 Cup Water
Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pot. Place both halves into the pressure cooker. Lock the lid of the Instant Pot .
Note: Because spaghetti squash are so large, you can only cook one at a time in a pressure cooker. If youre looking to cook more than one squash, use the baked method. Go to Roasted Spaghetti Squash.
What To Serve With Spaghetti Squash
Cooked spaghetti squash can be shredded with a fork and flavoured with a little salt and pepper. Thats as simple as it gets and can be used as a side dish with pretty much anything. You can also drizzle it with a little oil or melt some butter into it. The fats will help your body to absorb all those fat-soluble vitamins in the squash. I like it with a little grated Parmesan on top.
As a base, the squash is super versatile. It can be used instead of spaghetti or noodles with your favourite sauce on top. Try our Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce or this amazing Vegan Moroccan Chickpea Stew.
You can incorporate it into casseroles, like this low-carb, cheesy number, this meat sauce based one, or this vegan casserole.
Another idea is to stuff the cooked spaghetti squash halves with a filling such as cooked quinoa, taco meat, shredded chicken or stir-fried tofu.
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