Spaghetti Squash

So its been like 3.5 months since I have posted, geez life can get busy!

In honor of a facebook friend and my desire to eat healthier, I'm posting a recipe for one of my favorite veggie loaded favorites. I do not make it exactly the same every time simply because sometimes add different vegetables entice me (like today I added carrots to my usual mix) but in all its a favorite for me, so here it goes, this is the recipe as I made it today. Also, if you make a BIG batch, leftovers defrost and reheat well!

Spaghetti Squash

1 medium-large spaghetti squash
1/2 jar of Prego smooth and simple (Today I substituted with some of papa johns pizza sauce)
1 medium zucchini
1 medium yellow squash
1/2 pack on mushrooms
1/2 medium onion
1/2 green pepper
1/4 package of premium carrots
Garlic powder (or chopped garlic)
1 lb ground turkey (optional)
Colby Jack or other favorite cheese (optional)

1) Dice onions, green pepper, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, and carrots into desired size (tip: cut carrots a bit thinner to allow them to cook quickly).

2) Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out strings and seeds. Place face down in a microwave safe container, add 1/4 cup of water, cover with plastic wrap and steam in microwave for 10 minutes.

3) Brown ground turkey with onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and garlic powder until thoroughly cooked. Set aside. In heated pan place carrots, zucchini, and yellow squash, lightly saute for about 1 minute, then turn down heat, cover, and allow them to steam (no added liquid) until thoroughly cooked (approx 5 minutes).

4) The spaghetti squash should be cool enough to handle now. While the zucchini mixture is steaming, use a fork to rake out the strands of the spaghetti squash.
5) Once the zucchini, yellow squash, and carrots are done, mix the turkey mixture and squash mixture in pan and add desired amount of tomato sauce. (If making without turkey: saute onion, green pepper and mushroom then set aside while completing the carrot, zucchini, and yellow squash and mix together when done.) Allow to simmer until warmed and season as desired (I like to add a little crushed red pepper).

6) Once sauce is done, pour in your strands of spaghetti squash and mix it all together (mine resembles a thick chili until scooped out). Serve topped with cheese (if desired).