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Honey Roasted Spaghetti Squash

A masterclass in thermal vegetable extraction and lipid infusion. By roasting spaghetti squash halves with honey and olive oil until deeply caramelized, the extracted strands act as a flawless, gluten-free pasta alternative, tossed rapidly in a melted compound roasted garlic butter.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • The Honey-Roasted Squash
  • 2 medium spaghetti squash
  • 2 tablespoons high-quality honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
The Roasted Garlic Compound Butter
  • 4 large heads garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened to room temperature
The Finished Dish
  • 2 tablespoons roasted garlic butter from above
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil drained and diced
  • 1/4 pound fresh spinach leaves approximately 1 cup
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
  • 4 fresh basil leaves chiffonade
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese

Method
 

The Thermal Garlic Extraction
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut about ¼ of the top off the 4 garlic bulbs to expose the raw cloves. Place the bulbs cut-side up onto a sheet of aluminum foil.
  2. Drizzle the exposed cloves with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Close the foil loosely around the bulbs, leaving a small vent hole at the top.
  3. Bake until the cloves are deeply golden and soft, about 40 minutes.
  4. Once cooled, squeeze the softened cloves into a bowl with the softened butter and mash with a fork until a uniform compound emulsion is formed.
The Architectural Squash Roast
  1. Maintain the oven at 375°F. Carefully cut the spaghetti squash entirely in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds and stringy pulp.
  2. Place the cleaned halves cut-side up onto a heavy-duty metal baking sheet. Drizzle the exposed flesh with honey and olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  3. Flip the squash halves so they are cut-side down against the metal pan. Roast until the exterior skin yields to pressure and the interior flesh is entirely soft, about 30 to 40 minutes.
The Sauté and Assembly
  1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until fragrant and golden, watching closely to prevent burning. Remove immediately.
  2. In a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of the prepared roasted garlic butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Sauté just until the spinach is entirely wilted, about 2 minutes.
  4. Using a fork, scrape the interior of the roasted squash to extract the long, pasta-like strands.
  5. Add the squash strands directly to the sauté pan. Toss gently to coat the vegetable "noodles" in the garlic butter emulsion and vegetables.
  6. Transfer to a serving vessel and garnish with toasted pine nuts, basil chiffonade, and shaved Parmesan cheese.