Dominican Spaghetti

Dominican spaghetti is a popular dish in the Dominican Republic, often served as a main course or side dish. It features spaghetti noodles cooked with a flavorful tomato sauce, meat, and various vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/4 cup pitted olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef or ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, water, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the grated carrot, sliced olives, and raisins (if using) to the sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
7. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spaghetti to absorb some of the flavors from the sauce.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Serve the Dominican spaghetti hot as a main course or side dish. It is often accompanied by a side of fried plantains or a simple salad. The combination of flavors from the seasoned meat, tomato sauce, and vegetables make this dish delicious and satisfying. Enjoy the taste of Dominican cuisine with this flavorful spaghetti recipe!