Description
A flavorful and comforting Nigerian-inspired Jollof Spaghetti recipe that combines classic Jollof rice seasoning with tender spaghetti noodles, simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce for a delicious one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 300 g spaghetti (~ 1 lb)
Tomato and Pepper Sauce
- 4-5 large tomatoes
- 1 large onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
Seasonings and Broth
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp vegetable or cooking oil
- 2 tsp bouillon powder (or stock cube)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp curry powder
- Salt (to taste)
- 5-10 basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel the onions, red bell pepper, scotch bonnet pepper (if using), and tomatoes. Cut them into small pieces for easy blending.
- Blend Sauce Base: Place the chopped tomatoes, onions, red bell pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper into a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth tomato and pepper puree.
- Reduce and Thicken Sauce: Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan over low to medium heat. Reduce the sauce by simmering for about 20 minutes until it thickens into a paste-like consistency. Stir regularly to prevent burning.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Once thickened, add the chicken broth, vegetable oil, dried thyme, bouillon powder or stock cube, curry powder, and salt to taste. Stir to combine all flavors.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the sauce, breaking or pressing the noodles down to fit into the pot. Cover with a lid and let stand on low heat for 5 minutes until the spaghetti softens enough to stir.
- Simmer and Finish: Stir the spaghetti to mix with the sauce thoroughly. Reduce heat to minimum and cook uncovered for an additional 8-10 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb most of the sauce without straining.
- Add Basil and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the spaghetti just before serving for a fresh herbal touch.
Notes
- Use chicken broth for deeper flavor; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian variation.
- The scotch bonnet pepper adds heat; omit or reduce for a milder dish.
- Do not strain the pasta as it cooks directly in the sauce to absorb all the flavors.
- Stir regularly while reducing the sauce to avoid scorching.
- Adjust salt according to your taste and the saltiness of the bouillon powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Nigerian
