Chef Alisa, of Viaggio Yacht Charter: I am fortunate that I get to travel a bit for work, and feel even more blessed when I find myself down in the Bahamas during one of the worst storms on record throughout the US! I will be spending the month of January in a marina in the Bahamas helping the boat owners with a variety of projects including helping them start 2014 off on a healthy note. This is a great healthy meal that is very filling yet does not leave you feeling weighed down. You could easily do this without the meatballs for a vegetarian version, as well as mix up your sauces and toppings for a variety of gluten free “pasta” options.
Brought to you by: Chef Alisa of Viaggio Yacht Charter
INGREDIENTS:
2 spaghetti squash cut in half length wise with the seeds removed. Lightly sprayed with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, roasted in a 350* oven for approximately 45 minutes until tender
1 cup mushrooms quartered and sautéed in a bit of olive oil until lightly browned and tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Fresh mozzarella
Shredded Parmesan
Chopped fresh basil
For the sauce:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 small red onion diced
3 cloves of garlic minced
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 Tablespoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Heat the oil in a large pan.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they become fragrant and begin to lightly brown.
3. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and oregano and cook for 20-30 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the meatballs:
1lb ground turkey
1/2 cup oatmeal ( or dried bread crumbs)
1 egg
1/4 cup pesto ( I used a spinach basil pesto but you could use your favorite! You just want to add some flavor to the meatball due to the lean nature of turkey, sundried tomato or roasted pepper would both be great options!)
1Tablespoon chili flakes ( more or less depending on your preference)
1/4 red onion diced
2 cloves of garlic minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well
2. Break off a small amount of the mix and cook it in a small pan so that you can taste the meatballs and make sure they are seasoned properly.
3. Once you are satisfied with the seasoning roll the mix into meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs into the gently simmering sauce and cover. ( if you would rather develop a crispy meatball you can sear them in a sauté pan before placing them in the sauce to finish cooking.
5. Cook for 10-15 minutes until almost cooked (they will finish in the oven)
To Assemble:
1. Gently loosen the squash from the edge of the skin but leave in the shell.
2. Sprinkle a few mushrooms onto each squash and top with 3-4 meatballs.
3. Cover the meatballs and mushrooms with the sauce
4. Place 2-3 slices of fresh mozzarella on top of each squash and sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
5. Place into the 350* oven and bake for about 30 minutes. ( if you would like a little more color on top you can turn the broiler on for the last 5 minutes or so.
6. Sprinkle with a bit of chopped fresh basil and serve with a salad for a filling healthy dinner!
About Chef Alisa:
Viaggio Charter is excited to introduce Chef Alisa Jestel, the newest member of the Viaggio team! Chef Tristin was offered an exciting land based opportunity in Seattle that was too good to pass up. With Tristin moving ashore, Captain Trig found himself in need of a new chef so he turned to his long time friend and prior co-worker Alisa. Alisa has been cooking professionally around the Seattle area for the past fifteen years, the last six of which have been spent aboard a variety of luxury yachts cruising the Pacific Northwest! Alisa thrives on the abundance of local products available in the area and enjoys creating memorable dining experiences at every opportunity! She customizes each and every meal to the individual needs of VIAGGIO’s guests, and loves taking time to share her passion and knowledge for food with anyone that is interested. Alisa has been known for giving impromptu cooking classes on cooking what you catch, fresh pasta making, and seasonal cooking.
Alisa spends her free time during the off season traveling and exploring her love for food in other countries. She finds her self often revisiting Italy for more extensive training on pasta making and other old world culinary arts! Viaggio Charters is excited to welcome Alisa aboard and looks forward to sharing her culinary delights with you!
Viaggio Yacht Charter – Captain Trig in SE Alaska
For more information visit: www.viaggiocharter.com
Seasoned Crew – Custom Designed Itinerary – Relaxation – Majestic Alaska Beauty
