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Veggie Spaghetti

I don’t often speak of commercial products, but when I purchased a spiral vegetable slicer, I just couldn’t resist.

I was a skeptic. I didn’t want to get caught in the trend. I resisted temptation of buying for a long long time…….and I finally caved in.

Let me just say…WOW! I am so glad I did. This thing makes the most delicious dishes. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t know anyone gullible enough to actually think this is real pasta. It is clearly not, but it is really really good, and it satiates us.

One idea that I have tried out is to mix real spaghetti with the veggie spaghetti. That has been especially helpful in cutting down on the amount of processed carbohydrates that we consume, and has a nice light taste to it.

My favorite way to prepare this dish is to use a ratio of 4:1, green zucchini to carrots. The carrots add a nice sweetness, and cook to the same consistency.

My best tip to offer you is to choose the longest vegetables you can find. The ends of the veggies can’t go through the spiral mechanism, so you end up with a vegetable “Stump” thing-a-ma-jig. I use those later to chop up and add to salads or chopped vegetables. With a zucchini, only cut a very small amount off the non-stem end, and use the other end as a kind of handle.

The other trick I learned that is if I keep the vegetable stable and turn the spiral mechanism, it works better, and the strands are more consistent. Remember to separate the core, as it is too soft to cook, but can be used as part of a stuffing, etc.

The last tip I have is to not overcook the “noodles”. They will continue to cook after you strain them. An ice bath is a good idea if you are going to wait to toss them in a pan with the sauce.

As for sauces, etc., the simpler, the better, I say. A little olive oil, garlic and Parmesan cheese is delicious. Pesto also works well, as does a fresh tomato and herb mix.

Calorie counts and nutritional counts will vary depending on the vegetables you choose, as well as the sauces you top them with.

As far as brands go, I don’t think there is much of a difference in them. Look for one with a wide mouth, and be mindful when choosing produce that the circumference must fit inside the mouth part.

Happy Spiraling,

Shereen Rios BAS, CPT for Focus and Form Fitness