Balsamic Onion Topper

Winter squash is so reliable and sturdy.  Yikes.  Sounds like a truck – not an appealing description of food is it?  But, really, I’m enthusiastic…. even excited about this time of year when acorn, butternut and spaghetti squash become cheaper and so readily converted into hearty autumn fare.

Spaghetti squash does carry the undue burden of expectation because of that name.  I mean, CAN you do anything else with spaghetti squash besides treat it like a gluten free, healthier version of semolina spaghetti?  Of COURSE you can.  I’m rather transparent, aren’t I?  This idea is one that I am going to visit on other hearty vegetables and perhaps breads as well!

Treating spaghetti squash like the hearty vegetable it is, allows for pairings with other strong and reliable flavors.  Onion, balsamic vinegar and a dash of marjoram did the trick and turned our spaghetti squash into a very special side dish.  We really enjoyed this.

The recipe is really for the onion topping but it was totally created to go on my spaghetti squash without using tomato.  Please let us know if you try this on anything else – I think it has lots of possibilities!

Balsamic Onion Topper

1 Tbsp oil (I used avocado)
1 large sweet onion
1 – 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4/ – 1/2 tsp marjoram
1/2 salt

Heat the oil.
Add chopped onion and cook over medium low heat allowing time to become translucent.
Turn up just a bit and add the balsamic, marjoram and salt.
Stir frequently
The longer you cook the more carmellized it gets -a little browning is nice!
Marjoram adds a flowery sweetness.  Don’t overdo it.  It’s surprisingly strong for such a gentle fragrance.

Serve over top of spaghetti squash.  (Spaghetti squash is easy to cook.  Just cut in half / scrape out seeds / place halves in large pot of boiling water and cook until tender, about 20 minutes depending on size of squash).

I will have to get back to you with other possible things to put this on, but I think it would be fabulous in a lettuce wrap with re-fried beans, or other veggies – or on top of mashed cauliflower…. or, or, or?  What do you think?