Spaghetti Squash Bowls (Mediterranean Style)

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Serves: 4

Ingredients for Sphagetti Squash and Filling:

• 2 spaghetti squash (Medium sized)
• 2 Medium-sized colored Bell Peppers finely chopped
• 1 ½ cups freshly cooked chickpeas (preferred) or 1 can Garbanzo beans
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon Organic olive oil - Keep these two separate
• 8 large Olives (fresh preferred but canned is fine too)
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
• 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
• 1/2 lemon (juiced)
• Salt to taste
• Black Pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Ingredients for Basil Pesto

• ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 Pine nuts or Walnuts
• ½ cup packed fresh parsley or Mint leaves (Optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat but Spaghetti Squash (legth-wise and pitted) with 1 teaspoon olive oil  well. Season well with salt and black pepper lightly over the interiors of the squash, then place them cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, until the interiors are easily pierced through with a fork.
• While Spaghetti Squash is baking, prepare Garbanzo/Chick Pea salad. Combine the chickpeas, chopped bell pepper, chopped onions, olives, chopped basil, garlic, lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and salt. Stir to combine. Add Salt and Pepper to taste.
• To prepare the pesto, add Basil, Parsley, Lemon juice, Water and salt, and Pjne nuts/walnuts into a blender. Process while slowly drizzling in the olive oil, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary until it becomes a smooth sauce. Transfer the pesto to a small bowl for serving.
• To assemble, use a fork to fluff up the squash and make it easier to eat. Then divide the chickpea salad between the squash bowls and drizzle generously with Pesto.
• Garnish with Basil and/or Parsely.

Serving Suggestions:

Perfect for Summers or Winters! This is a scrumptious meal by itself. Can also be served with warm Pita Bread on the side. Spaghetti squash stores well for winters due to its thick rind and can be a very good source of vegetables to get through winter time.