Where have you been all my life? Can't believe it's taken this long to discover spaghetti squash--yes, exactly, as it sounds--a perfect vegetable imitation of the favorite pasta. If you are trying to cut carbs for whatever reason, you have yourself here one awesome substitute. I know there will be skeptics, but man...am I grateful for the dietician at the hospital I work at for demonstrating this awesome addition to my food groups!
Pair this easy-to-make vegetable with a little parmesan, butter, salt and pepper, and you are set to go with a simple comfort food meal by itself; or, throw in a marinara sauce with meatballs from Spaghetti & Meatballs or Meatball Minis blog posts from the early days.
This vegetable is cheap and literally made with no skill all while being delicious, satisfying and good for you. Worth considering for any college student looking to make the most of their meal and summer cash!
Spaghetti Squash Rocks
Equipment:
Baking Pyrex or
Baking Sheet with Rim
Ingredients:
Large spaghetti squash, halved and seeded
1/2 cup water
Parmesan
Butter
Salt & Pepper
Other Options:
Marinara Sauce
Pomodoro Sauce
Meatballs (from the Spaghetti & Meatballs)
Instructions:
1. Wash hands and preheat oven 350F degrees.
2. Halve the squash and use a spoon to remove the pulp and seeds.
3. In a large baking dish, turn the halves upside down and pour 1/2 cup of water into dish.
4. Bake 25-30 minute until tender. Set aside until you can handle halves.
5. Use a fork to start scraping the inside of the squash...voila...a bowl of spaghetti.
6. Toss in a little butter or olive oil with parmesan.
7. Salt & pepper to taste.
8. If you have marinara sauce or pomodoro sauce (super easy) have frozen some of the meatballs--add them for a simple, easy lunch!
I got 4 nice servings out this one squash! Simple does it sometimes!
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods have to be some of my favorite cuisines (wonder if that will get me deported per Trump's standards) next to Indian dishes! Flavors are rich with depth like no other.
Best of all are the vegetarian and meatless options--for any college student, or anyone on a budget for that matter, you have to consider going meatless (or stretching your meat budget) for some meals to prevent going broke--might as well taste good and be good for you! This is an easy college recipe for off-campus living.
Enter falafel...but simplified without the mixing, the fuss, and the deep fryer! Promise! This meal will easily make 6 pita pockets stuffed with veggies, yoghurt sauce, salad and fried spicy chickpeas--completely satisfying and 'good-for-you' sandwich--a great way to skip meat and it is ultra-cheap (check out the cost on a can of chickpeas chocked full of protein and fiber…less than $2).
Leftovers easily stored or taken for a snack later on! Leftover yoghurt sauce is awesome for baked potatoes and munching on carrots and other veggies!
If you find chickpeas on sale, stock up on a few extra cans for those days when money is tight!
(Great recipe modified from Cooking Light Dinner Tonight Magazine 2015 Edition)
Deconstructed Falafel
Skill Level: Easy
Time: 20 minutes
Equipment:
Small mixing bowl
Large 10-12" non-stick skillet
Ingredients:
For The Chickpeas:
2 (15 oz) cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 Tbls olive oil
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp of paprika
1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp fresh black pepper
For The Yoghurt Sauce:
1 cup plain 2% Greek yoghurt
1 Tbls of sour cream (optional if available)
2 Tbls chopped fresh mint
1 tsp chopped dill (optional if available)
2 tsp fresh lime
3/4 tsp kosher salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
For The Extras:
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and halved slices
Cherry Tomatoes, halved or full tomatoes, sliced and halved
Red onions, thinly sliced or Green Onions
Peppers, thinly sliced
Feta Crumbles / slices / chunks
Arugula, tossed in olive oil & lemon (or plain)
6 pocket pitas, make sure the pocket is sturdy
6 whole wheat tortillas to make a Falafel Burrito
Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Drain, rinse, and pat dry the chickpeas.
3. Heat the olive oil over MEDIUM-HIGH heat and sear your chickpeas until golden brown. (For best results, avoid over-crowding the skillet! Make 2 batches if you have to!)
4. Prepare the spice mix and add to crispy, browned chickpeas. Continue browning.
5. Prepare your yoghurt sauce.
6. Prep your veggies.
7. Set up the assembly line!
