kind of paleo

have you read about the paleo diet? i've heard bits and pieces and didn't think it sounded like something i would want to try...until i found this recipe- an almost 5 ingredient pizza spaghetti pie. it looked amazing, so, obviously, i needed to try it out. being me, i made some changes and added a few more ingredients, but the results are still paleo- i think- if you're into that. me? i just want my food to taste good.

spaghetti squash primavera

two spaghetti squashes

1 1/2 cups of favorite marinara sauce

2 zucchini- diced

1 small eggplant- skinned and diced

1 1/2 pounds italian sausages- casings remove and the meat broken up 

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, dried basil

1 tablespoon olive oil

preheat oven to 400⁰F or 375⁰F for convection ovens. slice the squashes in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and place onto a baking dish with the insides facing down. add about 1/2 inch of water into the dish. bake for 30- 35 minutes, until the tops are browned. remove from water, drain any excess water, and allow to cool. once squash is cool enough to touch, remove the threads by scraping a fork along the insides. place into a large mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper. set aside for later. 

preheat the oven down to 350⁰F or 325⁰F for convection ovens.

over medium high heat, add the olive oil and sausages to a large nonstick pot. season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. saute until the meat is browned. add the zucchini and eggplant, season, and saute until everything is soft. add the marinara sauce. turn the heat to medium low and simmer. taste and re season if needed. remove from heat.

pour the primavera sauce into the squash bowl. sprinkle the parmesan cheese over everything and gently mix to combine. 

spread mixture evenly into a 9 x 13 baking dish. cover with shredded cheese.

bake for 40 minutes, until the cheese is browned and the sauce is bubbling. remove from oven and cool before eating. serve with a crusty bread to sop up the sauce. 

this tastes so good and is so good for you!

until next post- maggie