Never has it tasted so great to be ridden among winter and spring as of recently. New stalks of asparagus blend with a sound portion of lemon and thyme to indicate spring’s appearance, while this veggie lover dinner is moored with a most loved winter staple.
I got a lot of asparagus and a spaghetti squash at the ranchers market over the course of the end of the week, which is a fantastic impression of the period at the present time — the finish of winter changing into the briefest trace of spring. What fun it is concocted a light dinner dish that utilizes both of these fixings.
This recipe is a perfect reminder that even though spring has arrived, there is still a place for spaghetti squash on the table. Often used as a pasta alternative, these strands evoke a lightness that is so wonderfully in line with all the components of the dish.
There is one step in this recipe that is a true gem not to overlook. Dana calls for placing a smashed clove of garlic under each piece of spaghetti squash, about halfway through cooking. It’s just enough time to roast the garlic, mellowing the pungent bite and revealing depth and sweetness. Best of all, because it’s hiding away under the squash, the irresistible aroma of roasted garlic is lightly infused into the strands of squash.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 small spaghetti squash (about 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 pound asparagus
- 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (from 4 to 5 sprigs)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
INSTRUCTIONS
- Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 375°F.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Brush the cut sides with 1/2 tablespoon of the oil. Place cut-side down on one half of a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 35 minutes. Meanwhile, trim the woody ends of the asparagus and cut the stalks on a diagonal into 2-inch pieces.
- Remove the baking sheet with the squash, add the asparagus to the other side, and toss with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil. Place a garlic clove beneath each squash half. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast until the asparagus is tender and starting to char, and the squash is easily pierced with a fork, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place the ricotta, lemon juice, zest, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, and stir to combine.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully remove the garlic cloves from beneath the squash. Add to the ricotta and mix well. Add the asparagus to the bowl.
- When the squash is cool enough to handle but still warm, run a fork through the flesh to separate and remove the strands from the shell. Add to the ricotta mixture and stir to combine. Divide between plates or transfer to a serving platter and top with the pine nuts.
RECIPE NOTES
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
