Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Chili Pepper

Coconut oil is not just a great butter substitute in vegan baking. You can also use it in savory recipes. This simple yet satisfying dish is the perfect example. I was almost shocked how flavorful of a dinner this turned out to be, especially because it calls for only five ingredients, including salt!

serves: 2

1 medium spaghetti squash (big enough to wrap both your hands around)
1/4 cup virgin coconut oil
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 red chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
sea salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Half the squash and place, cut side down, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20-30 minutes, until easily pierced with a knife. Allow to cool slightly and use a fork to scrape threads of squash into a bowl.

Melt the coconut oil in a pan set over medium heat. Add the garlic, chili pepper and a dash of salt. Saute until garlic begins to turn golden brown around the edges. Turn off the heat and add the squash. Toss to coat with oil and transfer to serving bowls. Serve hot.

You will love it! Please leave comments if you do try.

Baking Wishlist: Bhagsu Cake

A few years ago, my friend Sara contacted me from India. Her urgent message was about Bhagsu cake, a dessert she had tried and become completely enraptured with. She insisted that I re-create it for her Stateside so that she could prolong the joy even after her trip was over.

After some research, I found out these cakes are a localized version of a UK-born dessert called Millionaire’s Shortbread. It is really popular in Bhagsu, so they must really know what they are doing. Maybe it has something to do with those sacred cows.

This week’s Food52 contest is ‘Chocolate and Spice.’ The first thing that came to my mind was an idea I’ve had to inject some more Indian flavor into this otherwise traditional dessert that consists of three simple layers: shortbread, caramel and chocolate. Since my holiday confection’s class, I’ve had a handle on vegan, coconut-based caramel. The cookies I use for my cheesecake crust are perfect for the bottom layer, and have the added bonus of being gluten-free. The chocolate is a no-brainer. So, my goal is to get through the Vegan Shop-Up this weekend, complete my special Valentine’s orders, and somehow have a recipe submitted before the Wednesday deadline! Stay tuned.

Quick Kubocha Squash Cassoulet

Here is an easy and satisfying winter dinner that is short on fat but not on flavor. It was so good it didn’t even last for a picture! Read more…