This is the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe which I learned to cook in a local Haitian cooking class. This is not your typical breakfast food, but it has flavors that make morning foods fun.
The Haitian Breakfast spaghetti recipe calls for Spaghetti with ground beef, sliced onions, green bell peppers and different spices (thyme, salt, paprika, black pepper & cayenne pepper for heat). It’s then topped with eggs, milk and shredded cheddar cheese, which melt together when heating to produce a cheesy, creamy texture. Fresh cut parsley is added on top.
The teacher in our cooking class said it’s important to use fresh ingredients for the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe. Fresh vegetables like onions and green bell peppers hold their shape and flavor when cooked better than more mature, softer veggies. Using freshly minced garlic rather than the pre-packaged kind makes the dish smell and taste better.
A huge tip about how you can make the egg and milk mixture which goes into the spaghetti. Mixing the eggs really well with the milk before putting it on the spaghetti helps make a nice even layer for cooking. This means every bite is as delicious and creamy as the next.
The cooking class demonstrated to us the way to put the ingredients in the proper order. Prepare the ground beef in the onions, bell peppers, spices and garlic first. Then you blend the cooked spaghetti with the chopped tomatoes. This enables the flavors to blend nicely. Then you pour the egg & milk mixture over the spaghetti and sprinkle the cheese over that. You must cover the dish while it cooks to make it work. So the steam will melt the cheese and also the eggs will cook without burning the bottom.
It was fascinating to see how the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti Recipe was made. The spices made the kitchen look and smell good. When we added the cheese and eggs it sort of turned into a spaghetti bake.
Making the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti Recipe demonstrated to me exactly how using fresh ingredients can make an ordinary food special. This dish demonstrates how Haitians work with local ingredients and spices to make basic meals more fun. It was a fun part of our cooking class.
Ingredients For the Breakfast Spaghetti Recipe
Spaghetti
Ground Beef
Chopped Onion
Chopped Green Bell Pepper
Minced Garlic Cloves
Thyme
Paprika
Salt
Black Pepper
Cayenne Pepper
Diced Tomatoes
Eggs
Milk
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Chopped Fresh Parsley
Cooking Instructions For the Breakfast Spaghetti Recipe
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the drained diced tomatoes and cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture and toss to combine. Pour the egg and milk mixture over the spaghetti mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Cover the skillet and cook over low heat until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted, about 10-12 minutes.
Foods Most Eaten by Haitian Locals
Haitian cuisine reflects African, French, Taino, and Spanish culinary traditions. Another staple food in Haitian households is “diri ak pwa,” or rice and beans, consisting of black, red or white beans with spices and typically meat or fish. Griot (marinated and fried pork) is a popular dish served with “banan peze,” fried plantains, and pikliz (spicy pickled vegetable slaw). This is a popular combination at gatherings and celebrations.
Another popular dish is legim, a stew of vegetables that combines spinach with chayote, eggplant along with other vegetables and is usually cooked with meat or seafood and served with rice. A comforting meal on weekends is “bouillon,” a thick soup with beef, plantains, yams and other vegetables. For breakfast, “akasan,” a warm cornmeal porridge with milk and cinnamon, is a popular breakfast option.
Street food is also a staple in Haitian cuisine, with vendors selling various snacks. Pate is a flaky pastry filled with meat, fish or vegetables that is usually eaten on the go, and fritay is a platter of fried foods that include plantains, malanga, and sometimes seafood. Soup joumou, a pumpkin soup eaten on New Year’s Day to celebrate Haitian independence, is symbolic and popular. Together these dishes reflect the diversity and richness of Haitian food culture that reflects its people’s resilience and creativity.
5 Essiential Ingredients for Haitian Food
Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base): Epis may be the main ingredient of Haitian food preparation – a vibrant blend of herbs, spices and vegetables that marinate meats and flavor stews, sauces and rice dishes. Made with garlic, scallions, bell peppers, onions, parsley, thyme and quite often Scotch bonnet peppers, epis is crucial to Haitian food. It is often made in large batches and stored for use in everyday cooking.
Scotch Bonnet Peppers: Scotch bonnet peppers are an essential ingredient in Haitian food preparation, because of their heat and fruity flavor. They are used in pikliz (a spicy pickled vegetable relish), marinades and soups. The pepper is a component of the bold flavors of Haitian food.
Plantains: A staple in Haitian cuisine, plantains are fried, boiled or mashed in various dishes. They are usually a side dish or snack. A popular dish is “Banan peze,” or twice-fried plantains, and “bouyon” may consist of plantains in a broth with meat and vegetables. Plantains provide a starchy, slightly sweet accompaniment to meals, and help temper the heat in many dishes.
Rice: Rice is a staple item in Haitian diets, often served with beans, vegetables or meats. Favorite dishes include “diri ak djon djon” (black mushroom rice) or “diri ak pwa” (rice with beans). Many traditional dishes are served on rice that absorbs the flavors of sauces and stews.
Thyme: Thyme is a common herb used in Haitian cooking, giving dishes an extremely earthy and aromatic note. It is used in epis, soups, stews, and meat marinades. Its subtle yet strong taste goes well with the strong flavors and spices of Haitian food and is an essential item in the Haitian pantry.
FAQ For the Breakfast Spaghetti Recipe
Q: What are the main ingredients in the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe?
A: The Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe primarily features spaghetti, a staple pasta that is easily accessible and quick to prepare. This dish typically includes ingredients such as eggs, which are scrambled and added to the pasta for protein and richness. Additionally, it often incorporates bell peppers, onions, and sometimes tomatoes, creating a flavorful and colorful dish. Seasonings such as salt, pepper, and sometimes hot sauce or Haitian Epis may also be included to enhance the overall flavor. The Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe combines these simple ingredients into a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for starting the day.
Q: How do you prepare the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe?
A: To prepare the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe, start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, heat a pan over medium heat and add oil, then sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until they are softened. Next, whisk the eggs in a bowl and pour them into the pan, scrambling them until fully cooked. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the pan with the sautéed vegetables and scrambled eggs, mixing everything together. The Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe is quick to prepare, making it an excellent option for a busy morning.
Q: Can the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe be made vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe can easily be modified to be vegetarian or vegan. To make it vegetarian, you can simply omit any meat products while retaining the egg component, which adds protein and richness. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with a plant-based alternative, such as scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water to create a similar texture. Additionally, you can enhance the flavor with extra vegetables, spices, or nutritional yeast for added depth. The versatility of the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe allows you to tailor it to various dietary preferences while still enjoying a delicious meal.
Q: What are some serving suggestions for the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe?
A: When serving the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe, you can accompany it with a variety of sides or toppings to enhance the meal. Fresh avocado slices or a simple salad of mixed greens can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Additionally, you might consider serving it with slices of crusty bread or Haitian fried plantains, which pair well with the flavors of the dish. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs can elevate the presentation and flavor. These serving suggestions make the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe a well-rounded and satisfying breakfast option.
Q: How can leftovers of the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe be stored and reheated?
A: Leftovers of the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe can be easily stored for later enjoyment. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep. When reheating, you can use a microwave or stovetop; if using the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking and reheat over low heat. Properly storing and reheating the Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti recipe ensures that you can enjoy this delicious dish even on busy days.
Haitian Breakfast Spaghetti
Equipment
- Large pot for cooking spaghetti
- Large skillet for cooking beef and vegetables
- Mixing bowl for eggs and milk
- Grater for shredding cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 6 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes and cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture and toss to combine.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the spaghetti mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Cover the skillet and cook over low heat until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted, about 10-12 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
1 comment
I tried the haitian breakfast spaghetti recipe, and it was an interesting take on spaghetti. It made for a satisfying and filling meal. I liked the simplicity and how enjoyable it was.