Low Carb, Low Cal, Grain-Free, and Totally Delicious…SPAGHETTI SQUASH PAD THAI Recipe

August 19, 2013

from Holistic Health and Nutritional Counselor Sarah Jacobs @WellnessProjNYC and @ActingLikeSarah

So, why squash?? Well, aside from being chock full of Vitamins C, A, B6, and K, among others, it's incredibly low calorie and low carb. A one cup serving has 42 calories and 10 grams of carbs. Plus it supplies plenty of fiber.

But, Spaghetti squash can go one of two ways – yummy and delish, OR a watery, runny mess.

HERE'S THE KICKER! After roasting or microwaving your squash, either pat it dry with towels, or pan saute it for a minute to solidify the strands and evaporate any extra liquid.

Sarah’s Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Recipe

What You'll need:

• 1 Spaghetti Squash
  
• Fish Sauce (found in the international isle of the market)
  
• Tamari or Soy Sauce (I use low sodium)
  
• Chili Flakes
  
• Toasted Sesame Oil (if you have it)
  
• Veggies of your choice
  
• Egg or other protein. (Chicken, Shrimp, Tempeh or Tofu)
  
• Broccoli
  
• Cilantro
  
• Peanuts
  
• Lime
  

Directions:

1. Cook the squash.
 I roast it. Cut it in half. Put it face down in a pan filled with a bit of water. Cook it at 400 for around an hour (until you can pierce the skin easily with a fork). You can also microwave (but isn't as tasty). Poke holes in it with a fork and microwave for 10 minutes or so until the skin is soft.
   

2. Make the sauce. I mixed a bit of Fish sauce with Gluten Free Low Sodium Tamari (or use soy). Then sprinkled in some Chili Flakes. (I added in a little Toasted Sesame Oil for extra flavor. If you have it, do it. It's yummy. Just a teaspoon will add the flavor without tons of calories)

3. Sautee Veggies and Protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp). Spray a sautee pan and cook up whatever veggies and protein you're feeling. Shredded carrots, zucchini, green beans. I also used Mung Bean Sprouts for volume and crunch (don't cook them very long to retain the texture) You can also scramble an egg if you want it to be more authentic.

4. Steam up some Broccoli. (tends to absorb too much oil if sauteed)

5. Use a fork to rake out the flesh from the skin of the Squash (looks like spaghetti) 

6. Mix the squash with the veggies and sauce. Arrange the broccoli around the outside if you want it to look pretty. 

7. Top it with fresh Cilantro and chopped Peanuts. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.

8. EAT IT!!

 It only looks like a lot of steps. It was pretty easy!

And it looks pretty.

 

 

Sarah E Jacobs is a certified Holistic Health and Nutritional Counselor. She's co-creator of The Wellness Project NYC [http://www.TWPnyc.com], which provides NYC businesses with a fun and creative Corporate Wellness Program. She's also an award winning Actress and writer of the popular blog Acting Like Sarah [http://www.ActingLikeSarah.com]. She believes in making holistic health approachable and fun and thinks that hysterical laughter is a critical element to total body wellness. After auto-immune conditions broke down her usually active body, she got angry and then through diet and lifestyle changes, she got herself well. A fitness freak, she can often be seen sweating at bootcamp or working on her Laptop at her corner coffee shop, while double fisting an almond milk latte and a green juice. Connect with her via Facebook at The Wellness Project NYC [http://www.facebook.com/TWPnyc.com] or on twitter @ActingLikeSarah

 

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