Spaghetti Squash Boats- Black Gram & Pineapple Recipe

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spaghetti Squash Boats – Black Gram & Pineapple Recipe

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – Spaghetti Squash Boats filled with a flavorful black gram and pineapple mixture. It’s a fun, healthy, and surprisingly delicious way to enjoy a comforting meal. I first stumbled upon this combination while trying to use up some leftover ingredients, and honestly, it’s become a regular in my kitchen! It’s a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and totally satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average squash recipe, trust me. It’s packed with flavor, super easy to make (even for beginner cooks!), and a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies. Plus, it’s a great alternative to pasta if you’re looking for a lighter option. It’s a vibrant dish that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Spaghetti Squash Boats:

• 1 spaghetti squash
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup diced pineapple
• ¼ cup sliced green olives
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce)
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 large sliced yellow onion
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
• ¾ cup arrabbiata sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• ⅓ cup cooked whole black gram (Urad Dal)
• ¾ cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few tips to make sure everything comes together perfectly:

• Spaghetti Squash: This is the star of the show! Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size and has a firm rind. Don’t be intimidated by cutting it – it’s easier than it looks (see the FAQs for tips!).
• Arrabbiata Sauce: This Italian sauce brings a lovely spicy kick. You can find it easily in most supermarkets. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a little less and add more to taste.
• Black Gram (Urad Dal): This lentil adds a wonderful earthy flavor and texture. Make sure it’s cooked until tender before adding it to the sauce. You can use canned, pre-cooked black gram to save time.
• Pineapple & Olives: Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! The sweetness of the pineapple combined with the salty olives is a surprisingly delicious pairing. It adds a unique twist that really elevates the dish.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C/350°F. Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out those seeds.
2. Brush the inside of each squash half with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the squash face-down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the squash is tender and you can easily pierce it with a fork.
4. While the squash is baking, let’s make the sauce! Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped garlic for about a minute until fragrant, then add the sliced onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
5. Stir in the dried oregano, arrabbiata sauce, garlic powder (if using), black pepper, and chili flakes. Let this simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Add the cooked black gram to the sauce and stir well. Cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and use a fork to scrape the flesh, creating spaghetti-like strands.
8. Spoon the black gram sauce into the squash boats. Top with diced pineapple, sliced green olives, and mozzarella cheese.
9. Return the squash boats to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can broil them for a minute or two, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve warm.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking tray. Give the squash halves enough space for even cooking.
• Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
• If you don’t have mozzarella, you can use any cheese that melts well, like cheddar or Monterey Jack.

Variations

• For the Kids: My little ones aren’t always fans of spice, so I sometimes use a mild marinara sauce instead of arrabbiata.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies to the sauce, like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Protein Boost: Add some cooked ground meat or crumbled paneer to the sauce for extra protein.

Vegan Adaptation

Want to make this recipe vegan? It’s easy! Simply swap the mozzarella cheese for a vegan cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your arrabbiata sauce doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Spice Level Adjustment

If you like things extra spicy, add more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of arrabbiata sauce or use a mild marinara sauce.

Festival Adaptation (Navratri/Fast-Friendly options)

During Navratri or other fasting periods, you can adapt this recipe by omitting the onion and garlic. Use a tomato-based sauce without garlic and substitute the black gram with sabudana (sago) or singoda (water chestnut flour) for a vrat-friendly filling.

Serving Suggestions

These Spaghetti Squash Boats are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair well with:

• A simple green salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

What is spaghetti squash and how do I prepare it?

Spaghetti squash is a winter squash with flesh that separates into spaghetti-like strands when cooked. To prepare it, carefully cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and bake it until tender.

Can I use a different type of bean instead of black gram?

Absolutely! Kidney beans, chickpeas, or even lentils would work well in this recipe.

Is arrabbiata sauce too spicy for this recipe? Can I substitute it?

Arrabbiata sauce has a bit of a kick, but it adds a lovely flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can substitute it with a mild marinara sauce.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the squash boats just before serving.

What are some good side dishes to serve with spaghetti squash boats?

A simple green salad or some roasted vegetables would be a great addition.

How can I adjust the sweetness of this recipe?

If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of pineapple. If you like it sweeter, add a little more!