Haitian Spaghetti Recipe
Haitian Spaghetti, often known for its bold flavors and unique blend of spices, is a breakfast staple in Haiti that has gained popularity worldwide for its delicious twist on the classic pasta dish. This recipe is designed to immerse you in the heart of Haitian cuisine, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors that make it a must-try for anyone looking to explore international dishes.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Colander for draining pasta
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb Spaghetti Approx. 450g
- 2 tablespoons Cooking oil vegetable or canola
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 1 Bell pepper finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1/2 lb Hot dogs or smoked sausage, sliced Approx. 225g
- 1/2 teaspoon Thyme dried
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
- 1 Hot pepper Scotch bonnet or habanero, whole or sliced for extra heat (optional)
- 2 Cups Water or chicken broth Approx. 480ml
- 1 tablespoon Maggi or chicken bouillon powder optional, adjust salt if using
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until they start to soften, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the sliced hot dogs or smoked sausage to the pan and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until they start to brown.
- Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, black pepper, salt, and hot pepper (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the tomato paste from burning.
- Add the water or chicken broth (and Maggi or chicken bouillon powder if using), and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the sauce. Toss well to ensure the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce. If the spaghetti seems dry, you can add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Let the spaghetti cook in the sauce for a few minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serve
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the hot pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Serve the Haitian spaghetti hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Video
Notes
- The addition of hot pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on your heat preference. Adding it whole imparts flavor without making the dish too spicy, while slicing it will increase the heat.
- This recipe is very versatile, and you can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for additional nutrition and flavor.