Description
Haitian Spaghetti is a beloved comfort food that brings together Caribbean spice and bold flavor in the form of a pasta dish. Often served for breakfast or lunch in Haiti, this unique version of spaghetti includes sliced hot dogs or sausage, tomato paste, onions, bell peppers, and a kick of heat from Scotch bonnet peppers or hot sauce.
The dish is simple and hearty but loaded with depth thanks to classic Haitian seasoning blends like epis. It’s affordable, easy to prepare, and totally satisfying. If you've never tried spaghetti for breakfast, this dish will make you a believer. One forkful and you’ll understand why Haitian Spaghetti is a household staple!
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 hot dogs or sausages (beef, turkey, or smoked), sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup water or reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon Haitian epis (optional, but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Maggi seasoning (or soy sauce)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper or 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley or green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced hot dogs or sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add tomato paste. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes to reduce its acidity.
- Pour in water or pasta water and stir until the tomato paste forms a smooth sauce.
- Add epis, Maggi seasoning, salt, pepper, and Scotch bonnet or hot sauce if using. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
- Toss in the cooked spaghetti and stir until well coated and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Tips & Tricks
- Epis is a traditional Haitian seasoning blend made with herbs, garlic, and peppers. Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for easy use.
- Feel free to swap hot dogs for smoked sausage, salami, or even canned sardines for a more traditional Haitian twist.
- Use tomato sauce instead of tomato paste for a looser, less intense sauce if you prefer.
- This dish tastes even better the next day—perfect for leftovers!
- Serve with a slice of avocado, fried plantains, or a green salad to round out the meal.
My Extra Tips for Your Website
Include a recipe video demonstrating how to brown the sausages and create the tomato-based sauce—it adds cultural value and visual appeal. Add a short section on the history of Haitian spaghetti and how it's commonly eaten for breakfast or brunch in Haiti. Readers love context and storytelling, especially with traditional recipes. You could also offer a downloadable “Haitian Pantry Guide” for Caribbean food beginners.
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