Ingredients:
- 1 Large Spaghetti Squash (approx. 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Olive Oil
- ½ tsp (3 g) Coarse Sea Salt (Divided)
- ¼ tsp (1 g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper (Divided)
- 4 Tbsp (56 g) Unsalted Butter (Divided)
- 10–12 Fresh Sage Leaves
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced very finely
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
- Fresh Parsley or Chives, chopped (For garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise from stem to tip using a sharp knife.
- Using a large spoon or scoop, scrape out the fibrous strands and seeds from both squash halves.
- Brush the cut sides of the squash generously with 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Season evenly with the specified salt and pepper.
- Place the squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 45–50 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
- Remove from the oven and allow the squash to cool for 10–15 minutes until comfortable to handle. Using a fork, gently scrape the flesh away from the skin into spaghetti-like strands. Transfer all strands into a large mixing bowl.
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 Tbsp of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the fresh sage leaves and cook quickly for 1–2 minutes until the sage leaves are crisp. Remove the sage leaves with a slotted spoon and set aside for garnish.
- Add the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter to the saucepan. Continue cooking the butter, stirring constantly, until small brown flecks form at the bottom and the butter smells nutty and is a light amber colour (approx. 3–4 minutes). Remove immediately from the heat.
- Stir the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) into the hot brown butter. The residual heat will gently cook the garlic.
- Pour the entire brown butter and garlic mixture over the squash strands in the mixing bowl. Toss thoroughly until all strands are lightly coated.
- Stir in the remaining salt, black pepper, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice.
- Transfer the mixture back into one of the empty squash shells or a small oven-safe dish. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling slightly.
- Garnish generously with the crispy sage leaves and chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately.