Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step by Step Instructions:
Step 01: Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil salted water in a large pot.
- Add spaghetti and cook as per package instructions.
- Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
- Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 02: Cook the Meat
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned.
- Break meat apart with a spoon.
- Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
Step 03: Prepare the Sauce
- Add more oil to the pan if needed.
- Sauté chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, ketchup, thyme, and scotch bonnet.
- Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add water to adjust sauce thickness if needed.
Step 04: Combine the Meat and Sauce
- Return cooked meat to the pan with the sauce.
- Stir to combine and simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 05: Mix the Spaghetti with the Sauce
- Add drained spaghetti to the pan with the sauce.
- Toss to coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness.
Step 06: Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with more parsley if desired.
Servings and Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Servings: This recipe makes about 4-6 servings, depending on portion size.
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to make your Haitian Spaghetti even more delicious:
- Use the Right Pasta: While traditional spaghetti is commonly used, you can experiment with other pasta types like penne or rotini. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become too soft after mixing with the sauce.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, peas, or even zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. These veggies complement the sauce and add some texture to the dish.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of scotch bonnet pepper or use a milder pepper instead. On the other hand, if you love heat, feel free to add more peppers to suit your taste.
- Try Different Meats: Ground beef is often used in Haitian Spaghetti, but you can also try ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different twist. The meat adds extra flavor and makes the dish more filling.
- Cook the Sauce Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer for a longer period of time so that all the flavors have time to meld together. This will result in a richer, more flavorful sauce.
