So, I’ve been trying out paleo, but I’m sad because it means I can’t have pasta. I decided to try out two forms of alternative pasta (with some homemade meatballs, mmm!), and I figured I’d share my results.

Spaghetti Squash

Price: ~$5 (at least where I bought it)

Calorie count: Confusing to estimate, since you only use the inside

Effort: Minimal, like scooping out a pumpkin, but at a smaller scale

How I did it: Cut the squash lengthwise, and scoop the insides out with a spoon. Separate all of the “spaghetti” from the squash and boil it on low for about twenty minutes (if it boils over it looks gross, trust me). Use two forks to separate the strands, pour in a colander when done. Wait for it to cool before you pick the seeds out with your hands.

Cucumber

Price: ~$1.50 each

Calorie Count: About 8

Effort: Minimal, actually sort of fun (does require a Julienne Peeler)

How I did it: Peel the cucumber with a regular peeler, and then use the julienne peeler to strip it into pasta. Don’t go all the way through, the seeds bit in the middle doesn’t come out well.

The results:

The spaghetti squash didn’t make nearly as much pasta as the cucumber, but it ended up being SO delicious with the meatballs (without sauce, even)! I wish there was more in the bowl.

The cucumber filled the bowl really well, but tasted awkward with just meatballs. I simmered the cucumber pasta in a homemade tomato sauce for awhile to soften it up, and then it was delicious. It twirls very similarly to pasta, and is a little crunchy, kind of like al dente.

Overall, I’d say it was a tie - spaghetti squash is more delicious, but more expensive. Cucumber pasta is a little less satisfying but much easier to make and could even do for a good salad addition.

Have you tried it? What do you think?