Brought to you by: Simple Gourmet

Winter squash, like butternut and spaghetti, are currently in season. Here’s a simple, low calorie solution that you can enjoy even on a busy schedule. Butternut and spaghetti squash, as a complex carbohydrate, are rich in nutrients and are an essential food in most weight loss programs. The prep time is very short too. Winter squash like butternut and spaghetti are delicious when eaten as the main course or as a side dish. Remember to buy winter squash locally (e.g., farmer’s market) as a healthier option.

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Watch the below Simple Gourmet video on how to prepare and cook your winter squash (e.g., butternut and spaghetti) and view recipes below…

Butternut Squash Recipe:

Winter Squash: Butternut & Spaghetti

Yield: 3-4 servings
Recipe category: squash
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: ~20 min
Difficulty: Easy

Here’s what you’ll need…

• small to medium butternut squash with a long neck
• 1 TB EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
• sea salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Cut off the very top and bottom of the butternut squash.
2. Cut between the neck and body.
3. Peel the butternut squash skin from the neck and cut into medium to large cubes (i.e., chunks).
4. Place parchment paper on baking sheet/pan.
5. Place butternut squash chunks onto the parchment paper.
6. Cut body of butternut squash in half. Leave skin intact and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
7. Spray or drizzle olive oil, a pinch of sea salt and pepper over the butternut squash, and toss together with your fingers.
8. Bake in the oven, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, until golden and tender.
9. Pull butternut squash out from the oven.
10. Place butternut squash onto a plate and drizzle maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt and pepper.

Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Winter Squash: Butternut & Spaghetti

Yield: 3-4 servings
Recipe category: squash
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: ~35 min
Difficulty: Easy

Here’s what you’ll need…

• medium to large spaghetti squash
• 1 TB EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
• 1 TB parmesan cheese (preferably low fat)
• sea salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Cut spaghetti squash in half with a sharp knife.
2. Place spaghetti squash face down into a baking dish with seeds still intact.
3. Add two cups of water over the spaghetti squash.
4. Bake in the oven, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 35 minutes.
5. Pull spaghetti squash out from the oven.
6. Gently scrape seeds away from the spaghetti squash and discard seeds.
7. Remove the spaghetti squash flesh from each half with a fork into strands.
8. Season with parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt and pepper.

What is your favorite winter squash recipe? Leave your comments below…

I also enjoy adding home-made spaghetti sauce to the spaghetti squash :-)

Bon Appétit!

Von James is a Hollywood Body Transformation Expert who has helped thousands of women and men over the last 12 years, to build toned, sexy bodies via his Extreme Burn Fitness & Eating Lifestyle System.