Haitian Spaghetti
Haitian spaghetti is a vibrant, flavorful twist on the classic dish — it’s packed with bold spices, a rich tomato sauce, and often topped with ground beef or sausage that’s been cooked right into the sauce.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Colander
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Lid for the Saucepan
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 2 large tomatoes diced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper optional, whole or sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles about one standard box
- Water for boiling
- Salt for boiling water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Dice the fresh tomatoes into small pieces.
- If using a Scotch bonnet pepper, rinse it and decide whether to leave it whole (for mild heat) or slice it (for more spice).
Step 2: Cook the Meat
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Pro Tip: Browning the meat well adds a deeper flavor to your sauce, so take your time and let it caramelize lightly.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked meat.
- Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Pro Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning—it should smell fragrant but not bitter.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the Scotch bonnet pepper now if using.
- Mix everything well to combine.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pro Tip: Simmering slowly helps all the flavors meld together for a rich, well-balanced sauce.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain the pasta using a colander.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce directly in the pan or serve the sauce spooned over the noodles.
- Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving if you left it whole.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Estimated per serving)
- Calories: ~450–500 kcal
- Protein: ~20–25g
- Carbohydrates: ~50–60g
- Fat: ~15–20g
- Fiber: ~3–4g
- Sugar: ~5–7g
- Sodium: ~600–800mg
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.