Filipino Spaghetti
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Serves:
4-6
Level:
Easy
About the Recipe
Filipino Spaghetti is a beloved dish often served during special occasions like birthdays, family gatherings, or simply as a comfort food at home. It’s a delightful twist on traditional Italian spaghetti, incorporating Filipino ingredients that make it distinctly sweet, savory, and creamy. One of the main highlights of this dish is the use of banana ketchup, which gives the sauce a slightly sweet taste that balances the saltiness of the hotdogs and the savory meat sauce. Topped with grated cheese, this dish is a staple in Filipino homes and sure to satisfy your craving for a unique take on pasta.
Ingredients
500g spaghetti noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
500g ground pork or beef
6 Filipino-style hotdogs, sliced diagonally
1 cup banana ketchup (preferably Jufran or UFC)
1 can (250g) tomato sauce
¼ cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
1 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated cheese (preferably Eden or cheddar) for topping
Preparation
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions are soft and fragrant.
Cook the meat: Add the ground pork or beef to the pan. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Add the hotdogs: Toss in the sliced hotdogs and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly browned.
Make the sauce: Stir in the banana ketchup, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated. Add the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and give the sauce its characteristic sweetness.
Simmer: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add cream: Pour in the evaporated milk or heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
Combine with pasta: Toss the cooked spaghetti noodles into the sauce, mixing until the noodles are fully coated.
Serve: Transfer the spaghetti to a serving platter, and generously top it with grated cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
This recipe makes 4-6 servings and can be enjoyed as is or paired with a slice of garlic bread. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, Filipino spaghetti is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!