Spaghetti Squash with Cashew Ricotta, Spinach, and Peas
By the Gracious Vegan
This fabulous dish is so comforting. The blend of vegetables with the plant-based cheeses hits the spot. You can bake the mixture in the spaghetti squash shell or in a casserole dish. It works well either way.
Makes 4 servings
Make cashew-based ricotta cheese if you don’t have some handy. (It freezes well.)
Make vegan parmesan cheese if you don’t have some handy. (It refrigerates and freezes well.)
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Place the two halves of the squash cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2 Tablespoons water. Microwave them, uncovered, until tender, 10-15 minutes, depending on your microwave’s strength.
One spaghetti squash (2½ - 3 pounds), cut in half lengthwise and seeds removed
Separately, in a large skillet or cooking pot, bring a little water in the bottom to a boil (1/4 - 1/2 inch of water). Add the peas, bring it back to boiling, and cook them 2 minutes.
1.5 cup frozen peas (I like petite peas)
Add the spinach and stir until it is wilted, 1-2 minutes. Then boil for another minute. Drain well and transfer the peas and spinach to a large bowl.
5 ounces fresh spinach (chopped if it is not baby spinach) (alternative: 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed)
Use a fork or spoon to scrape the softened squash from the shells. Put the innards into the large bowl with the peas and spinach. Then add the following ingredients and stir everything together.
1 cup cashew ricotta cheese
1/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese (more needed below)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (or more if you like spicy foods)
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Place the empty squash halves in a casserole or other suitable dish for baking. Spoon filling into each. (Alternatively, just spoon the mixture into a small-medium baking dish.) Top with more vegan parmesan.
1/8 cup vegan parmesan cheese
Bake for 25-30 minutes at 400°F. Garnish, if desired, with:
Additional crushed red pepper
Chopped fresh basil