Cooking Filipino Spaghetti: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Dish

Spaghetti Filipino Style

   When it comes to comfort food, spaghetti is a global favorite. However, in the Philippines, this beloved dish takes on a unique and delightful twist. Filipino spaghetti is a festive and flavorful version that is both sweet and savory, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings, birthdays, and other celebrations. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of making authentic Filipino spaghetti that will surely impress your taste buds.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Sauce:

- 500 grams ground pork or beef

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup hotdogs or sausages, sliced (preferably red hotdogs)

- 2 cups Filipino-style tomato sauce

- 1 cup banana ketchup

- 1 cup evaporated milk

- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 tablespoon cooking oil

 For the Pasta:

- 500 grams spaghetti noodles

- Water for boiling

- 1 tablespoon salt

 For the Toppings:

- Grated cheese (preferably processed cheese or cheddar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Sauce

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and chopped onions, sauté until they become fragrant and translucent.

3. Cook the Meat: Add the ground pork or beef to the pan. Cook until it turns brown and crumbles.

4. Add Hotdogs: Stir in the sliced hotdogs and cook for a few minutes until they are slightly browned.

5. Mix the Sauces: Pour in the tomato sauce and banana ketchup, stirring well to combine.

6. Sweeten the Sauce: Add the sugar, adjusting to your preferred level of sweetness.

7. Simmer: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

8. Creamy Touch: Add the evaporated milk to the sauce, stirring until well incorporated.

9. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Cooking the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.

2. Cook Noodles: Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

3. Drain: Once cooked, drain the noodles and set aside.

Combining and Serving

1. Mix Together: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the sauce. Toss until the noodles are well-coated with the sauce.

2. Top with Cheese: Transfer the spaghetti to a serving dish and generously sprinkle grated cheese on top.

Tips for the Best Filipino Spaghetti

- Banana Ketchup: This ingredient is key to achieving the sweet flavor that Filipino spaghetti is known for. It's different from regular tomato ketchup and adds a unique taste.

- Hotdogs: Using red hotdogs gives the dish its authentic Filipino touch. If you can't find them, regular hotdogs or sausages will do.

- Adjusting Sweetness: The sweetness of Filipino spaghetti can vary based on personal preference. Start with a smaller amount of sugar and add more if needed.

- Cheese: Processed cheese is commonly used for topping Filipino spaghetti, but cheddar cheese can also work if you prefer a sharper flavor.

Filipino spaghetti is a delightful dish that brings together sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in one satisfying meal. It's a perfect way to add a Filipino twist to a classic favorite and is sure to be a hit at any gathering. So, next time you're in the mood for spaghetti, give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of the Philippines!

---

Feel free to share your experiences and any variations you make to the recipe in the comments below. Happy cooking!