This article provides an overview of spaghetti squash, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make spaghetti squash substitutes.
What is Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti squash is a group of cultivars that are a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors. They are often yellow, ivory, and orange in color and similar in appearance to other squashes when raw. Once cooked, the meat of the squash falls away from the flesh in ribbons or strands that look like spaghetti.
What does Spaghetti Squash taste like?
Spaghetti squash has a mild and bland flavor, that is somewhat slightly sweet. As their flavor is not nearly as strong as other squashes, they are more desired for their texture than taste.
Is Spaghetti Squash readily available in Supermarkets?
Spaghetti squash is a year-round fruit that should be readily available in supermarkets. It is often located in the fresh produce section, next to the other squashes.
What are some alternative names for Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti squash is often referred to as vegetable squash. Just be careful as there are other vegetables that are referred to as ‘squash’ such as butternut squash.
What is a good substitute for Spaghetti Squash in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for spaghetti squash. These include:
- To create similar spaghetti-like ribbons and neutral flavor, you can use zucchini as a good substitute in the form of what is called ‘zoodles’.
- You of course can use regular spaghetti if a low-carb replacement is not desired!
The Cuisines which use Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti Squash is most commonly found in dishes originating from Western countries, particularly the United States. It is often served with tomato-based sauces or as a substitute for pasta in Italian dishes. It can also be used in Mexican dishes like tacos and enchiladas, as well as in Asian-inspired stir-fries.