Spaghetti Squash with Brown Butter and Parmesan
Spaghetti squash derives its name from the nature of its flesh: once it is cooked and cut in half, the flesh can be separated into strands that recall the famed Italian pasta. The squash’s delicate flavor requires only subtle enhancement.
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash, 2½-3 lb
- ¼ cup (2 oz) unsalted butter
- pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- ⅓ cup (1½ oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
PLACE THE WHOLE SQUASH in a large pot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, uncovered, until it can be easily pierced with a knife, about 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and cook it until it turns brown and just begins to smoke, 3-4 minutes. Remove immediately from the heat and stir in the nutmeg.
When the squash is done, drain and set aside until cool enough to handle.
Cut the squash in half lengthwise and, using a fork, scrape out the seeds and discard. Place the squash halves, cut sides up, on a serving platter and, using the fork, scrape the flesh free of the skin, carefully separating it into the spaghetti-like strands that it naturally forms. Leave the strands mounded in the squash halves. If the butter has cooled, place over medium heat until hot.
To serve, drizzle the butter evenly over the squash. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Serves 6
