Haitian Spaghetti Recipe
Haitian Spaghetti Recipe
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Haitian Spaghetti Recipe
Haitian Spaghetti recipe is a beloved, flavorful dish that’s popular for breakfast or any time of the day. This dish combines al dente spaghetti with a rich, savory sauce made from tomatoes, herbs, and spices, along with tender meat (usually ground beef or sausage). Known for its unique blend of Haitian flavors, Haitian Spaghetti recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and richness, making it a favorite comfort food in Haitian households. This Haitian Spaghetti recipe provides a step by step guide to creating this dish from scratch, so you can experience an authentic taste of Haiti right in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it to your family or bringing it to a potluck, Haitian spaghetti is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
Description:
Haitian Spaghetti recipe is more than just a simple pasta dish; it’s a cultural staple that carries the essence of Haitian cooking traditions. This dish brings together a variety of ingredients, from fresh vegetables to seasoned meats, to create a rich and hearty meal. It’s typically enjoyed for breakfast but is also perfect for lunch or dinner. The secret to Haitian spaghetti’s depth of flavor lies in its sauce, which is infused with a mix of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and various spices like thyme and scotch bonnet peppers.
The history of Haitian Spaghetti recipe dates back to the country’s French and African influences, which brought together European cooking techniques and African ingredients. It’s no surprise that the dish became so popular in Haiti, as pasta was an inexpensive and filling meal that could be made with a few staple ingredients. The addition of ground beef or sausage further elevates the dish, giving it a rich, savory flavor. Whether made with or without meat, the sauce in Haitian spaghetti is the highlight, and it’s what distinguishes it from other types of pasta dishes.
Haitian Spaghetti recipe can also be served with fried eggs on top, creating a perfect harmony between the richness of the pasta and the savory egg. This dish is also customizable, and some variations include adding vegetables like bell peppers or even bacon for extra flavor. The beauty of Haitian spaghetti lies in its versatility. You can modify the recipe to suit your preferences while still staying true to the heart of Haitian cuisine.
When preparing Haitian spaghetti, it’s essential to follow the steps carefully to get the best results. The pasta should be cooked to an al dente texture, and the sauce needs to simmer long enough to develop the deep flavors. One of the key ingredients in Haitian Spaghetti recipe is the “epis,” which is a Haitian seasoning blend made of fresh herbs, garlic, and other spices. It’s important to season your dish with epis to give it that authentic Haitian taste.
This recipe is a family friendly meal that can easily be scaled for larger gatherings. It’s a cost effective meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, making it perfect for those looking to enjoy Haitian cuisine without breaking the bank. If you’ve never had Haitian spaghetti before, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. The combination of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors will transport you to the vibrant streets of Haiti with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with Haitian sausage)
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup bell peppers, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp Haitian epis (a seasoning blend of herbs and spices)
- 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped (optional, for spice)
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 tbsp ketchup (for sweetness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- 2 large eggs (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and bell peppers. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to blend.
- Add the Haitian epis and scotch bonnet peppers (if using), and mix well.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour in the water or beef broth and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in ketchup for a touch of sweetness.
- Combine the Spaghetti:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the pasta can absorb the sauce.
- Stir in the butter for added richness and a silky texture.
- Serve:
- Serve the Haitian spaghetti hot, garnished with chopped parsley, if desired.
- Optionally, fry 1-2 eggs to place on top for a traditional touch.
Notes:
- Epis is a Haitian seasoning blend that’s a key ingredient in many dishes. If you don’t have it, you can make your own using a combination of parsley, thyme, scallions, garlic, and hot pepper, blended together with oil.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more scotch bonnet peppers, or use a hotter pepper variety.
- For a vegetarian version, you can skip the meat and use mushrooms or tofu for protein.
- This dish is best served with fried plantains or a side salad to balance the richness of the spaghetti.
Haitian Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g spaghetti
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground beef or substitute with Haitian sausage
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 medium tomatoes diced
- 1/4 cup bell peppers chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp Haitian epis a seasoning blend of herbs and spices
- 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers finely chopped (optional, for spice)
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 tbsp ketchup for sweetness
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- 2 large eggs optional, for topping
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and bell peppers. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to blend.
- Add the Haitian epis and scotch bonnet peppers (if using), and mix well.
- Pour in the water or beef broth and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in ketchup for a touch of sweetness.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the pasta can absorb the sauce.
- Stir in the butter for added richness and a silky texture.
- Serve the Haitian spaghetti hot, garnished with chopped parsley, if desired.
- Optionally, fry 1-2 eggs to place on top for a traditional touch.
Notes
- Epis is a Haitian seasoning blend that’s a key ingredient in many dishes. If you don’t have it, you can make your own using a combination of parsley, thyme, scallions, garlic, and hot pepper, blended together with oil.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more scotch bonnet peppers, or use a hotter pepper variety.
- For a vegetarian version, you can skip the meat and use mushrooms or tofu for protein.
- This dish is best served with fried plantains or a side salad to balance the richness of the spaghetti.
