SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH SPICY WALNUT PICADA AND PARMESAN

Spaghetti squash does best in a steamy environment. A microwave oven proves perfect. A container of cooked spaghetti squash strands keeps days in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully in the microwave. Season the strands as you would pasta — simply with oil and pepper, or lavishly with a walnut picada and cheese.

Prep time: 2 0 minutes

Cook time: 2 5 minutes

Makes: 4 to 6 servings

1 spaghetti squash, about 3 pounds, halved lengthwise, seeds removed

Water

¾ cup walnut pieces

3 tablespoons walnut oil or extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley

3 tablespoons chopped chives (or green onion tops)

½ teaspoon minced fresh rosemary or ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary

½ teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes

Finely grated zest from 1 lemon

Coarse (kosher salt) and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 large clove garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Freshly shredded Parmesan or Asiago cheese

1 . Put one spaghetti squash half, cut-side down in a microwave-safe casserole dish. Add 1 inch of water to the dish. Cover with lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap vented at one corner. Microwave on high (1 0 0 % power) until squash pierces easily with the tip of a knife, about 1 0 minutes. Cool. Repeat to cook the other squash half.

2 . Meanwhile, for walnut picada, toast ¾ cup walnut pieces in a small nonstick skillet just until fragrant, 2 -3 minutes. Do not walk away or nuts might burn. Cool on a cutting board, then chop finely.

3. Mix chopped walnuts, 3 tablespoons walnut oil, 3 tablespoons chopped parsley, 3 tablespoons chopped chives, ½ teaspoon minced rosemary, ½ teaspoon red-pepper flakes and lemon zest in a small bowl. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

4. Use the tines of a large fork to pull the cooked squash from the skin in long shreds. Place shreds in a serving bowl. Toss with 1 clove crushed garlic and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm sprinkled with the walnut picada. Offer the shredded cheese at the table.