INSTANT POT PUMPKIN SPICED SPAGHETTI SQUASH

After months of summer squash in just about every meal, I’m happy to move on to winter squash. Don’t get me wrong — I love zucchini in just about every way, but as the weather gets cooler, our food choices change, and right now, I’m all about winter squash.

At the farmer’s market last weekend, there was a wide variety of squash (tip: if you want to try a different and interesting variety of winter squash, head to your farmer’s market, where you’ll always find more than just the usual acorn and butternut you see at the grocery store) and I picked up a few, including a spaghetti squash, which I don’t eat very often. After this meal, that may change however.

I recently got an Instant Pot, which I’ve been putting off for awhile, and this dish was one of the first few things I’ve cooked in it. Squash has never been one of my favorite foods to cook at home, mostly due to how heavy, tough, and unwieldy they are, so I usually either eat my squash out, or buy it prepped and ready to go. My Instant Pot totally changed that, and now I can’t wait to move on to the next one.

This aromatic fall blend is not just for pies, however, as demonstrated by this spaghetti squash. You can totally use it for savory dishes too, and while I ate this squash as a quick lunch, I’m imagining how delicious it would be with a hearty fall roast or late season grilled pork chops.

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still cook the squash anyway you want, and continue on with the recipe as is. Serve it warm and sprinkle with whatever fresh chopped herbs you have (I used parsley, but sage would be particular good here) for one of the best fall side dishes you’ll eat all year.