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Brown butter spaghetti squash with marjoram gremolata, crispy sage & parmesan

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large spaghetti squash (3 to 4 lbs.), cut in half lengthwise and seeded
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 15-20 fresh whole sage leaves
  • 3/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh marjoram leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 large organic lemon, zested
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts, roughly chopped
  • coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of paprika, to taste

Method
 

  1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roast the Squash: Brush the cut sides of the spaghetti squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika, and place them cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 35 to 45 minutes until fork-tender. Cool for 5 minutes until safe to handle.
  3. Brown the Butter& Crisp Sage: Melt the 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the whole sage leaves in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter foams, turns a rich, nutty brown with toasted specks, and the sage leaves crisp up. Immediately remove from heat, transfer the sage leaves to a paper towel with a slotted spoon, and reserve the warm brown butter in the skillet.
  4. Make the Gremolata: In a bowl, combine the chopped parsley, marjoram, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, toasted nuts, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of the warm brown butter.
  5. Scrape the Strands: Using a fork, gently scrape the squash flesh lengthwise into a large mixing bowl to create light, spaghetti-like strands, taking care to keep the two empty squash skins intact for serving.
  6. Toss andRe-Stuff: Pour the remaining warm brown butter and half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano into the squash strands, tossing gently to coat. Divide the mixture and spoon it neatly back into the warm, hollowed-out squash shells.
  7. Garnish andServe: Top each filled squash half with the marjoram gremolata, the remaining Parmesan, and the crispy fried sage leaves. Serve immediately right inside the shells.