Say Goodbye To Bland: How To Make Rich And Savory Spaghetti Jollof With Tomato Paste

Spaghetti jollof is a delectable West African dish that combines the flavors of spaghetti with the vibrant spices of jollof rice. It’s a mouthwatering fusion that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. In this blog post, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to cook spaghetti jollof with tomato paste, ensuring a perfect culinary experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and scotch bonnet pepper (if using) and cook for another minute.

3. Add the Spices: Stir in the ground ginger, cumin, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

4. Incorporate the Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir well to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the tomato paste has darkened slightly.

5. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the broth has reduced by half.

6. Add the Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the pot and stir to coat with the sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the spaghetti has absorbed the sauce and is heated through.

7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for Success:

• Use a good quality tomato paste for a richer flavor.
• If you don’t have scotch bonnet pepper, you can use a different type of chili pepper or omit it altogether.
• Adjust the amount of spices to your taste preferences.
• If the sauce is too thick, add more broth as needed.
• Serve with your favorite sides, such as fried plantains, coleslaw, or salad.

Variations:

• Add meat: For a more protein-packed dish, add cooked chicken, beef, or fish to the spaghetti jollof.
• Use different vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or green beans.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Ending on a High Note

Spaghetti jollof with tomato paste is a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. By following these simple steps, you can create this flavorful dish with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you towards a delicious and unforgettable culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between spaghetti jollof and regular jollof rice?

• Spaghetti jollof uses spaghetti instead of rice, resulting in a different texture and flavor.

2. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato paste?

• Yes, you can use 2 cups of crushed tomatoes instead of tomato paste.

3. How can I make my spaghetti jollof spicier?

• Add more scotch bonnet pepper or use a hotter chili pepper.

4. Can I freeze spaghetti jollof?

• Yes, you can freeze spaghetti jollof for up to 2 months.

5. What are some good side dishes for spaghetti jollof?

• Fried plantains, coleslaw, and salad are all excellent accompaniments.