Jollof Spaghetti is a delightful fusion dish that brings an exciting twist to traditional pasta. This Nigerian-inspired recipe combines the rich flavors of jollof sauce with spaghetti, creating a unique and satisfying meal that can be enhanced with a touch of citrus for extra zest.
What makes this dish special is how the pasta absorbs the flavorful tomato-based sauce, resulting in a perfectly seasoned dish that’s both comforting and delicious. While traditionally made with leftover stew, this version creates a fresh sauce that deeply penetrates the pasta for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 250g spaghetti (1/2 packet)
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 2 cooking spoons tomato/pepper/onion blend (pre-boiled until dry)
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1-2 cooking spoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 pinch dried thyme
- 1/4 cup green peas
- Meatballs or meat of choice
- Seasoning cubes to taste
- Salt to taste
- 1 lemon (optional, for zesty version)
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Season and cook your chosen meat. If using meatballs, prepare and fry them in advance.
- Step 2: Heat oil in a pot and sauté chopped onions until translucent.
- Step 3: Add tomato puree and fry for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 4: While the sauce cooks, boil spaghetti until al dente.
- Step 5: Add the tomato/pepper/onion blend, meatballs, thyme, curry, and seasoning cubes to the sauce. Cook until oil separates from tomatoes.
- Step 6: Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce, adding 1-2 tablespoons of pasta water or meat stock if needed. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 7: Add green peas and adjust seasoning. For the zesty version, add lemon zest and juice before serving.
Additional Instructions
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Serves: 4
- The sauce can be prepared in advance and combined with freshly cooked pasta later
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in microwave or on stovetop with a splash of water
- For best results, use pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 15g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 65g
- Approx. Fat: 14g
