Dinner under $2 per serving - quick, healthy and easy

With the cold, rainy autumn days upon us, many of my clients are looking for warm comfort foods. If you are looking for an easy, healthy meal that is on the budget to warm up your day, then here is one of my favorite recipes. You can get all the ingredients in any grocery store. 

1 Spaghetti Squash
1 Round Box of Laughing Cow Cheese (for vegans, use Nutritional Yeast)
1 Jar of Tomato Basil Marinara or Spaghetti Sauce (I prefer Amy's Organic, Low Sodium)
1 Package of Baby Bella Mushrooms (Optional)

Below are the directions for either using the oven or the microwave. 

Use a microwave if you don't have more than 10 minutes to spend on making dinner. I am not a fan of microwaving, but it is better and faster than getting drive-thru takeout. If you do have more time, then use conventional oven at 350 degrees. I prefer to use the oven and while the food is cooking, I use that time to workout. 

Step #1: Make a slit with knife in the squash and put the whole thing in the microwave for about 2 minutes.  Carefully remove it and then cut length-wise in two halves. Scoop out the seeds and then place a wet paper towel on each half, facing up. Put back in the microwave for 6-7 minutes. 

For Oven Users: Cook the whole squash for 10 minutes at 350 degrees, carefully remove (it will be very hot) then cut in two halves.  Scoop out the seeds and then place a wet paper towel on each half, facing up. Bake for 45 minutes. 

Step #2: While the squash is cooking, sauté mushrooms in the pan and then add tomato sauce and Laughing Cow cheese or Nutritional Yeast. Per 1 cup of squash, you will need about 1/2 cup of the sauce and 1 wedge (or 1 table spoon of Nutritional yeast).

Step #3: When the squash is cooked, scoop it out with a large metal spoon and add to the ingredients in the pan. Mix well and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Bon Appetite!