Hey lovelies!
Welcome back to my kitchen, where we turn simple ingredients into mouthwatering meals. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s been blowing up on social media – Spicy Jollof Spaghetti (Nigerian Style)! This dish is perfect for Ramadan, whether you’re prepping ahead or whipping it up a few minutes before breaking your fast. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to switch things up if you’re tired of the usual rice dishes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and simple – ready in under 30 minutes!
- Packed with bold, spicy, and smoky flavors.
- Perfect for meal prep – store it and reheat when needed.
- Budget-friendly and uses pantry staples.
Grocery List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Jollof Spaghetti:
Ingredients
- 1 pack of spaghetti (500g)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (or any cooking oil)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 fresh tomatoes, blended (or 1 cup canned tomato puree)
- 1 red bell pepper, blended
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (atarodo), blended (adjust to your spice level)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for that smoky Jollof flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 garlic cloves, minced)
- 1 tsp ginger powder (or 1-inch ginger, grated)
- 1 stock cube (Maggi or Knorr)
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans – optional but recommended)
- 1 cup protein of choice (shredded chicken, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Let’s turn these ingredients into magic!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Break the spaghetti into halves (this makes it easier to stir and eat).
- Blend the tomatoes, red bell pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper into a smooth paste.
- Chop your onions and set aside.
- If using fresh protein, cook and shred it ahead of time.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil the spaghetti in salted water until it’s al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
- Pro tip: Add a drop of oil to the water to prevent the spaghetti from sticking.
Step 3: Make the Jollof Sauce
- Heat the oil in a large pan or pot.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in the tomato paste and let it fry for 2-3 minutes (this deepens the flavor).
- Pour in the blended pepper mix and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add thyme, curry powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ginger powder, stock cube, and salt. Stir well.
- Toss in your mixed vegetables and protein. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce.
- Use a spatula or tongs to mix everything together until the spaghetti is well-coated.
- Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you’re feeling fancy.
- Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Useful Tips and Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the scotch bonnet pepper to suit your taste. Remove the seeds for less heat.
- Smoky Flavor: If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can achieve a smoky taste by placing a piece of foil over the pot while cooking (trust me, it works!).
- Storage: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to keep it moist.
- Protein Swap: No meat? No problem! Use tofu, mushrooms, or just stick to veggies.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbs: 70g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
This dish is a balanced meal with carbs, protein, and veggies. Perfect for refueling after a long day of fasting!
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Jollof Spaghetti is a game-changer, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. It’s hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make. Whether you’re breaking your fast or just craving something delicious, this recipe has got you covered.
Don’t forget to tag me if you try it out – I’d love to see your creations! And hey, if you need any of the utensils I used, check out the link in my bio to shop my Amazon store. I get a small commission from each purchase, which helps me keep sharing these recipes with you.
Until next time, happy cooking! ✨
XOXO,
Thatsexcoachlovesfood
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