Asparagus Begonias

Spaghetti squash, asparagus, hazelnuts, ricotta salata

Servings: 2, Preparation time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 small spaghetti squash (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 pound asparagus
  • 3/4 cup ricotta salata
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1+ teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3-5 tablespoons hazelnuts nuts, toasted
  • (optional) tempeh bacon crumbled on top

Instructions

  1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 375°F.
  2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Brush the cut sides with 1/2 tablespoon of the oil. Place cut-side down on one half of a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 35 minutes.
  3. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and cut the stalks on a diagonal into 2-inch pieces.
  4. Chop the hazelnuts and lightly toast.
  5. Raise the temperature to 425. Remove the squash and put aside to cool. Add the asparagus to the same pan, and toss with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil. Place a garlic clove beneath each squash half. Return the it to the oven and roast until the asparagus is tender and starting to char, about 10 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, place the ricotta, lemon juice, zest, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, and stir to combine.
  7. Once cool, use a fork to separate the strands from the shell.
  8. Remove the asparagus and garlic and put the squash strands in, and stick them in the oven for a few more minutes.
  9. Squash or mince the roasted garlic and put into the ricotta mixture.
  10. Once the squash is done, add the ricotta mixture on the top. Lightly mix.
Cooked spaghetti squash fresh out of the oven, with the ricotta mixture on top.

11. Plate the squash, then asparagus on top, and sprinkle w/ the nuts.

Inspired by:
https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-spaghetti-squash-with-asparagus-ricotta-lemon-and-thyme-186415