Experience the Taste of Haiti: Quick and Flavorful Haitian Spaghetti Recipe

Haitian spaghetti is a vibrant and savory dish that captures the essence of Haitian cuisine through its rich flavors and unique blend of ingredients. This beloved recipe transforms a simple staple into a festive meal, combining pasta with a robust, tomato-based sauce that is typically enriched with garlic, onions, bell peppers, and a variety of spices. 

Often incorporating elements like ground beef or sausage, this spaghetti offers a hearty and satisfying experience that reflects the dynamic and diverse culinary heritage of Haiti. Whether served as a family dinner or a special occasion dish, its bold flavors and comforting textures make it a cherished favorite in Haitian households and beyond.

Why will you love this recipe?

It’s a dish that captivates with its vibrant flavors and cultural charm, making it a favorite among many. Its unique blend of ingredients and rich seasoning offers an experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Here’s why it’s so easy to fall in love with Haitian spaghetti:

• Flavor Explosion: The rich tomato sauce, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and spices create a burst of vibrant flavors. 
• Hearty and Satisfying: Generous portions of pasta and protein like ground beef or sausage make it a filling meal. 
• Cultural Fusion: It reflects the blend of African, French, and Caribbean influences in Haitian cuisine.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Perfect for any occasion, with customizable spice levels and ingredients. 
• Comforting and Nostalgic: It evokes fond memories of family meals and celebrations. 
• Easy to Make: A straightforward recipe that’s accessible for both seasoned cooks and beginners.

Key Notes

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Large Pot
• Colander
• Large Skillet or Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Ladle

Haitian Spaghetti Ingredients

Making Haitian Spaghetti Recipe

Cook the Spaghetti: 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 

Prepare the Sauce: 

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. 
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. 
• Add the ground beef or pork to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary. 

Combine Ingredients: 

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. 
• Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef or chicken broth. Stir well to combine. 
• Season with dried thyme, oregano, paprika, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). 
• Mix in the soy sauce and vinegar. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. 

Mix Spaghetti and Sauce: 

• Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. 

Garnish and Serve: 

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and scallions if desired. Serve hot.

Secret Tips For Better Results

To take your spaghetti to the next level, try incorporating these expert tips. These simple yet effective techniques can enhance the depth of flavor, improve texture, and elevate your dish to new heights. Here’s how you can achieve outstanding results:

• Season Your Meat Well: Before cooking, season your ground beef or pork with salt, pepper, and a bit of paprika. This helps build a deeper flavor in the meat itself. 
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and bell peppers will give the sauce a more vibrant and robust flavor compared to pre-chopped or dried ingredients.
• Sauté for Depth: Sauté the vegetables (onions, bell peppers) until they are caramelized and golden. This step adds a rich depth of flavor to the sauce. 
• Deglaze the Pan: After browning the meat and vegetables, deglaze the pan with a splash of the beef or chicken broth. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as they add extra flavor to the sauce. 
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for a longer time if possible. This helps the flavors meld together and develop a richer taste. 
• Use Reserved Pasta Water: Before draining the spaghetti, reserve a cup of the cooking water. Adding a bit of this starchy water to the sauce can help it adhere better to the pasta and create a smoother consistency.
• Let It Rest: After mixing the spaghetti with the sauce, let it sit for a few minutes off the heat. This allows the pasta to absorb some of the sauce, resulting in better flavor integration.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add more heat by incorporating chopped Scotch bonnet peppers or additional crushed red pepper flakes. You can also stir in a bit of hot sauce for an extra kick. 
• Creamy Twist: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream towards the end of cooking. This adds a creamy texture and mellowes the acidity. 
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots. Add some black beans or chickpeas for extra protein and texture. 
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as basil, cilantro, or rosemary. Fresh herbs added at the end of cooking can give the sauce a unique, aromatic flavor. 
• Mediterranean Flair: Incorporate ingredients like olives, capers, or feta cheese to give the spaghetti a Mediterranean twist. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors. 
• Smoky Notes: Introduce a smoky flavor by adding a touch of smoked paprika or a small amount of liquid smoke to the sauce.

Storage Guidelines

To keep your Haiti spaghetti fresh and flavorful for future meals, it’s important to store it correctly. Whether you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days or save them for longer, here’s how to ensure your dish remains in the best condition:

• Allow the spaghetti to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the pasta from becoming soggy.
• Transfer the leftover spaghetti and sauce into airtight containers. This will help maintain freshness and prevent the dish from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator. Store the containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Divide the spaghetti into individual or meal-sized portions before freezing. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need. Place the portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags  for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• From the Refrigerator: Reheat the spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish, covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. 
• From the Freezer: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your spaghetti with complementary sides that enhance its flavors. Here are some delicious options that go perfectly with the rich and savory spaghetti:

• Cheesecake Factory Stuffed Mushrooms
• Keebler Cheesecake
• Garlic Bread Tortilla
• Texas Peach Fuzz

Conclusion

Haitian spaghetti is a delicious and versatile dish that brings a taste of Caribbean flair to your table. With its rich, savory tomato sauce, aromatic spices, and hearty pasta, it’s a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Whether enjoyed on a casual weeknight or at a special gathering, this recipe is a celebration of Haitian culinary traditions and offers endless possibilities for customization.

Haitian Spaghetti Recipe

Haitian spaghetti is a popular and flavorful dish in Haitian cuisine. Haitian spaghetti is often prepared with a rich, tomato-based sauce that includes ingredients like garlic, onions, bell peppers, and sometimes a bit of meat like sausage or ground beef. The sauce is typically well-seasoned with spices and herbs, giving it a distinctive and vibrant flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Haitian

Servings 4

Calories 388 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Colander
• Large Skillet or Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon Or Spatula
• Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife
• Measuring Cups And Spoons
• Ladle

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz 225 g spaghetti
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lb 450 g ground beef or pork (or a mix)
• 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vinegar white or apple cider
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
• 2-3 scallions chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef or pork to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
• Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef or chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
• Season with dried thyme, oregano, paprika, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
• Mix in the soy sauce and vinegar. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
• Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and scallions if desired. Serve hot.

Keyword Haitian Spaghetti