Spaghetti squash is a winter squash that has long, tender, noodle-like flesh that makes a fun alternative to pasta. Winter squash are prized for their abundant B-vitamins, including B1, B3, B6, pantothenic acid and folate. Their carotenoid content provides antioxidant benefits. Winter squash contains moderate amounts of Omega 3 fats in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, which plays a role in supporting cognitive function.


Prep
1 spaghetti squash
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 medium shallot
4 cloves garlic
2 medium beets
½ cup cauliflower
2 carrots
½ cup fresh basil

Preheat oven to 350°.
 
Cut spaghetti squash lengthwise, scoop out seeds and spread coconut oil over cut sides. Place squash cut sides down in a baking dish and bake 45 minutes or until tender.
 
Peel and chop shallot, garlic, beets and cauliflower. Chop carrots and basil.

Sauce
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
1½ cup vegetable broth
½ cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
 
Heat coconut oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic and cook until shallot is translucent, stirring frequently. Add beets, carrots, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for a few more minutes.
 
Add ½ cup broth, coconut milk and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
 
Remove from heat; use an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a countertop blender and puree along with 1 cup broth. Return to pot, add basil and warm for a few more minutes.

Serve
When squash is done, scoop out flesh and fluff with a fork. Divide among plates and drizzle with sauce.
 
Preparation: 1 hour
Serves: 4

If red kuri is not available in your area, feel free to substitute a winter squash of your choice. Red kuri is a naturally sweet, versatile squash that is great for baking and stuffing, in addition to stir-frys and curries. Kuri, like all winter squash, is high in vitamins A, C, riboflavin and thiamin, as well as the minerals calcium, potassium and iron and an excellent source of fiber. Winter squash have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and blood sugar benefits. Enjoy this beautiful dish on a crisp autumn’s day.  

Prep
½ cup coconut, shredded
1 medium red kuri squash
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 sweet onion
2 cloves garlic
2” fresh ginger
3 cups cauliflower
2 cups kale
1 lime
quinoa

Preheat oven to 350°. Toast coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
 
Cut squash in half; spread 1 tablespoon coconut oil on cut sides. Place in a baking dish cut sides down and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until tender.
 
While squash is baking, prep other ingredients. Peel and dice onion. Peel and press or mince garlic. Grate ginger. Chop cauliflower and kale. Juice lime.
 
Following package instructions, make enough quinoa for 4 servings.

Curry
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 teaspoon coriander, ground
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon mustard, ground
1 teaspoon chile powder, ground
½ teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon cardamon
2 cups chicken broth
1 can coconut milk

Sauté onion, garlic and ginger in 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. When onion is translucent, add cauliflower, spices and chicken broth. Simmer 20 minutes, or until cauliflower is al dente.
 
When squash is cooked, scoop out flesh and add to cauliflower. Stir in kale, coconut milk and lime juice. Simmer until kale is bright green and tender, stirring occasionally.

Serve
Ladle over quinoa and sprinkle toasted coconut on top.
 
Preparation: 30 minutes active, plus 45 minutes to bake
Serves: 4

This gentle curry is a sweet combination of sweet and mild heat. In addition to balancing the squash’s natural sweetness, the curry paste provides antioxidants and cancer-fighting benefits. If you prefer a more robust curry taste, feel free substitute with a stronger curry paste. Winter squash, such as butternut, provides many vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, potassium and magnesium, as well as Omega 3 and fiber. 

Prep
1 cup shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 pound butternut squash
1 can chickpeas
½ cup cilantro
2 cups quinoa
 
Peel and slice shallot and garlic. Peel and remove seeds from one large butternut squash, chop into bite-sized chunks. Rinse and drain one can chickpeas. Chop cilantro.
 
Cook quinoa according to package instructions.

Curry
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 can coconut milk
3 tablespoons mild curry paste, or more to taste
1 teaspoon salt
 
In a large pot over medium heat, melt coconut oil. Add shallot and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until shallot is soft, about 3 minutes. Add coconut milk, curry paste and salt, bring to a boil. Add squash, return to boil.
 
Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes or until squash is tender. Stir in chickpeas and cilantro, continue to cook until warmed through.

Serve
1 lime

Slice lime into wedges; serve curry with a squeeze of lime over a bed of quinoa.
 
Preparation: 30 minutes
Serves: 4