Spaghetti squash is a winter squash that has long, tender, noodle-like flesh that makes a fun alternative to pasta. Winter squash are prized for their abundant B-vitamins, including B1, B3, B6, pantothenic acid and folate. Their carotenoid content provides antioxidant benefits. Winter squash contains moderate amounts of Omega 3 fats in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, which plays a role in supporting cognitive function.


Prep
1 spaghetti squash
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 medium shallot
4 cloves garlic
2 medium beets
½ cup cauliflower
2 carrots
½ cup fresh basil

Preheat oven to 350°.
 
Cut spaghetti squash lengthwise, scoop out seeds and spread coconut oil over cut sides. Place squash cut sides down in a baking dish and bake 45 minutes or until tender.
 
Peel and chop shallot, garlic, beets and cauliflower. Chop carrots and basil.

Sauce
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
1½ cup vegetable broth
½ cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
 
Heat coconut oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic and cook until shallot is translucent, stirring frequently. Add beets, carrots, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for a few more minutes.
 
Add ½ cup broth, coconut milk and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
 
Remove from heat; use an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a countertop blender and puree along with 1 cup broth. Return to pot, add basil and warm for a few more minutes.

Serve
When squash is done, scoop out flesh and fluff with a fork. Divide among plates and drizzle with sauce.
 
Preparation: 1 hour
Serves: 4

If red kuri is not available in your area, feel free to substitute a winter squash of your choice. Red kuri is a naturally sweet, versatile squash that is great for baking and stuffing, in addition to stir-frys and curries. Kuri, like all winter squash, is high in vitamins A, C, riboflavin and thiamin, as well as the minerals calcium, potassium and iron and an excellent source of fiber. Winter squash have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and blood sugar benefits. Enjoy this beautiful dish on a crisp autumn’s day.  

Prep
½ cup coconut, shredded
1 medium red kuri squash
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 sweet onion
2 cloves garlic
2” fresh ginger
3 cups cauliflower
2 cups kale
1 lime
quinoa

Preheat oven to 350°. Toast coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
 
Cut squash in half; spread 1 tablespoon coconut oil on cut sides. Place in a baking dish cut sides down and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until tender.
 
While squash is baking, prep other ingredients. Peel and dice onion. Peel and press or mince garlic. Grate ginger. Chop cauliflower and kale. Juice lime.
 
Following package instructions, make enough quinoa for 4 servings.

Curry
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 teaspoon coriander, ground
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon mustard, ground
1 teaspoon chile powder, ground
½ teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon cardamon
2 cups chicken broth
1 can coconut milk

Sauté onion, garlic and ginger in 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. When onion is translucent, add cauliflower, spices and chicken broth. Simmer 20 minutes, or until cauliflower is al dente.
 
When squash is cooked, scoop out flesh and add to cauliflower. Stir in kale, coconut milk and lime juice. Simmer until kale is bright green and tender, stirring occasionally.

Serve
Ladle over quinoa and sprinkle toasted coconut on top.
 
Preparation: 30 minutes active, plus 45 minutes to bake
Serves: 4

Pretty and flavorful, it is sure to impress even the most die-hard meat fans in your life. Burdock root has been prized for its healing properties in traditional Asian and European societies for centuries. Western medicine is just beginning to recognize burdock root’s potential as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial agent. Burdock is rich in calcium, flavonoids, iron and potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure.

Prep
2 cups burdock
1 carrot
1 sweet potato
2 cups broccoli
2 cups kale

Peel and slice burdock root, julienne carrot. Dice sweet potato. Chop up broccoli and kale.

Cook
2 tablespoon coconut oil
4 cups chicken broth
¼ cup tamari

Heat oil in large pot; add burdock, carrot, sweet potato and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat; simmer, covered, 20 minutes.
 
Add broccoli and kale, return to a boil; cover and simmer a further 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in tamari.

Serve
Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
 
Preparation: 45 minutes
Serves: 4

Prep
1 yellow onion
3 cups shiitake mushrooms
2 leaves kale
2 cloves garlic
 
Finely chop onion, mushrooms and kale.  Peel and press or mince garlic.

Sauté
1 teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon thyme, dried
½ teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

In a large frying pan, sauté onion, garlic, turmeric, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, in olive oil and butter over medium heat until onions begin to soften and spices are fragrant. Add mushrooms and kale and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until kale is bright green.

Bake
10 eggs
½ cup Parmesan cheese
 
Distribute mushroom mixture to 10 muffin tins. Crack an egg into each tin. Distribute cheese among tins. Bake for 12 minutes at 400°.

Serve
Allow to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
 
Preparation: 45 minutes
Serves: 6