Spaghetti Squash with Thyme

Somehow, I managed to grow a ton of thyme in the lettuce patch.  The herb pot I started inside and the plant I was trying to grow next to some celery both died.  The seeds I randomly chucked next to the failed pumpkins will be there forever.  I don't use that much thyme, but I guess I will now.

This recipe started as a vegetarian main.  It still can be, but it's closer to what you would call a cooked salad.  The dressing and chevre balance the natural sweetness of the squash.  There is an overall creaminess, with a bit of texture and contrast from the chickpeas.  The thyme is not overpowering.  For something adhering to Mediterranean diet guidelines, this was definitely comfort food.

1 small spaghetti squash (about 2-3 lbs)
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 C olive oil
2 Tb white wine vinegar
*1 sprig fresh thyme or 1-1/2 tsp dried
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp white pepper
crumbled chevre or feta for garnish

1.  Preheat oven to 350º.  Wash squash and pierce in several places with a knife.  Set on a lined baking sheet and roast 90 minutes to 2 hours, turning halfway through, until easily pierced with a fork.

2.  Once cool enough to touch, slice squash open.  I always choose to do it across the equator, for the longest "spaghetti" strands.  If you prefer shorter fibers, cut the long ways.  Allow to cool until no longer steaming, then scoop out seeds and their strings.  I ended up cooking them with some pumpkin seeds into cinnamon pepitas.

3.  With a fork, pull the squash strands from the middle and place in a bowl.  Keep going until you reach the skin, then discard the skin.  At this point, all the hard part is done.  Everything else comes together super fast.

4.  Warm the oil, either on the stove or in the microwave, with the thyme in it.  Just to about 200º, so the thyme can infuse.  Whisk in the vinegar, salt, and white pepper and set aside.  You can also do this while the squash is cooking or cooling.

5.  Toss together the chickpeas and squash gently, so the squash doesn't mash.  Once evenly distributed, toss again with the dressing.  Either plate or place in a serving bowl, topped with crumbled cheese and perhaps more thyme for garnish.

Difficulty rating  π