Name: The BEST Haitian Spaghetti Ever!!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Haitian
Ingredients: ½ lb spaghetti; ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tbsp Haitian epis (a blend of herbs and spices); 1 onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 Roma tomatoes, diced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3 small Maggi cubes (or substitute with vegetable bouillon); 4 hot dogs, cut into rounds; ⅛ tsp ground cloves; ⅓ cup reserved pasta water; Salt, to taste; 2 hard boiled eggs (halved)

A vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional pasta, Haitian Spaghetti transforms simple ingredients into a colorful, aromatic dish that’s become a beloved breakfast staple in Haiti but makes a delicious meal any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Haitian Spaghetti brings exciting Caribbean flavors to your table with minimal effort. The unique combination of bell peppers, epis seasoning, and the distinctive addition of hot dogs creates a memorable dish that’s both comforting and exotic. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to serve to guests who appreciate global cuisine. The signature hard-boiled egg garnish adds a traditional touch and extra protein, making this dish not just delicious but also satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose spaghetti forms the backbone of this dish, providing a neutral canvas for the vibrant flavors to shine. Any medium-thickness pasta works, but traditional spaghetti gives the authentic experience.
Olive oil helps to bloom the flavors of the epis and provides a smooth base for the sauce. You can substitute vegetable oil in a pinch, though you’ll lose some of the fruity notes.
Haitian epis is the aromatic heart of this dish – a blend of herbs, peppers, garlic, and spices that’s fundamental to Haitian cooking. If you don’t have premade epis, you can create a quick version by blending parsley, thyme, garlic, bell peppers, and scallions.
Onions add sweetness and depth as they cook down into the sauce. Yellow onions work best, but red onions can add a pleasant visual pop.
Green and red bell peppers contribute both color and flavor, bringing a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that’s characteristic of Caribbean cooking. Feel free to use orange or yellow peppers as well.
Roma tomatoes provide tanginess and natural sweetness. Their firm texture holds up well during cooking, but any fresh tomatoes will work.
Tomato paste intensifies the savory flavors and helps thicken the sauce, giving it body and a rich umami quality.
Maggi cubes are a staple seasoning in many Caribbean and West African kitchens, providing concentrated savory flavor. Vegetable or chicken bouillon cubes make an excellent substitute.
Hot dogs might seem unexpected, but they’re authentic to this dish and add a smoky, salty component. Use your favorite variety – even turkey or chicken hot dogs work well.
Ground cloves bring a subtle warmth and distinctive aroma that’s characteristic of Haitian cuisine. A little goes a long way, so measure carefully.
Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta while adding silkiness to the final dish.
Hard-boiled eggs are the traditional garnish that makes this dish instantly recognizable as Haitian. They add richness, protein, and visual appeal.

Directions

Cook the spaghetti to al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about ⅓ cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Haitian epis and fry until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the chopped onion, green and red bell peppers, and diced tomatoes. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Stir in the tomato paste, then crumble in the Maggi cubes. Add the sliced hot dogs and ground cloves. Mix everything thoroughly.
Pour in the reserved pasta water, reduce heat, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld. Season with salt to taste.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
Serve hot with half a boiled egg on each plate for a traditional Haitian touch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family meal. It takes about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and 25 minutes to cook, bringing the total time to approximately 35 minutes. Each serving contains about 525 calories, making it a substantial but not overly heavy meal.

Variations

Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken, ground beef, or sautéed shrimp instead of or alongside the hot dogs for a heartier version.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the hot dogs and Maggi cubes (if they contain animal products) and use vegetable bouillon instead. Add sautéed mushrooms for umami flavor.
Spicy Version: Incorporate a scotch bonnet pepper or habanero for authentic Haitian heat, or simply add red pepper flakes to taste.
Breakfast Style: In Haiti, this dish is often enjoyed for breakfast. Serve it earlier in the day with an additional fried egg on top for a traditional morning meal.
Seafood Twist: For a coastal Haitian variation, add cooked crab meat or small shrimp during the final few minutes of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover Haitian Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making this an excellent make-ahead dish.
Freezing: While you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through. Microwave reheating works too – cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: If you’ve added the egg garnish, consider removing it before storage and adding fresh eggs when serving leftovers for the best texture and appearance.

FAQs

What is Haitian epis and can I make it at home?

Haitian epis is a versatile herb and seasoning base used in many Haitian dishes. You can make it at home by blending 1 bell pepper, 1 onion, 6 scallions, 6 garlic cloves, 1 cup parsley, several sprigs of thyme, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the juice of 1 lime, and salt to taste. This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen in ice cube trays.

Why is there hot dog in Haitian Spaghetti?

Hot dogs became incorporated into Haitian cuisine during the American occupation in the early 20th century. They add a distinctive smoky flavor and have become traditional in this dish, reflecting Haiti’s ability to adapt foreign ingredients into their culinary tradition.

Can I make Haitian Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, this dish actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to a day ahead and reheat gently before serving. Just add a splash of water when reheating to loosen the sauce.

What can I substitute for Maggi cubes?

If you don’t have Maggi cubes, you can substitute with vegetable or chicken bouillon cubes or paste. For a more natural alternative, use 2 teaspoons of soy sauce mixed with ½ teaspoon of nutritional yeast for each cube.

Is Haitian Spaghetti typically spicy?

Traditional Haitian Spaghetti has a mild to medium heat level. The recipe as written is fairly mild, but many Haitian cooks add scotch bonnet peppers for heat. Adjust according to your preference by adding hot sauce or pepper flakes.

Why is the hard-boiled egg important in this dish?

The hard-boiled egg is a signature element that distinguishes Haitian Spaghetti from other pasta dishes. It adds protein, richness, and is part of the traditional presentation. In Haiti, protein was historically precious, and the egg made the dish more substantial.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. The key is having a pasta shape that can hold the chunky sauce well.

What’s the best way to serve Haitian Spaghetti?

Haitian Spaghetti is traditionally served for breakfast but makes a delicious meal any time of day. Serve it hot with the half boiled egg garnish and a side of avocado slices for an authentic Haitian experience.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

You can use whole wheat pasta for more fiber, turkey hot dogs for less fat, and increase the vegetables. Some cooks also reduce the oil and add more fresh herbs for flavor without added calories.

What’s the origin of Haitian Spaghetti?

Haitian Spaghetti reflects the country’s complex culinary history, influenced by French, African, and Caribbean traditions. Pasta was introduced through European connections, but Haitians made it their own with local ingredients and techniques, creating this distinctive national dish.

Conclusion

Haitian Spaghetti is more than just a meal – it’s a vibrant expression of Haiti’s resourceful and creative culinary tradition. By combining simple ingredients with bold seasonings, this dish transforms everyday pasta into something truly special. Whether you’re exploring Caribbean cuisine for the first time or looking to expand your repertoire of comfort foods, this recipe offers a delicious entry point into Haitian flavors. The colorful vegetables, aromatic epis, and distinctive hot dogs create a memorable dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts, while the traditional hard-boiled egg garnish provides the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy this taste of Haiti any time of day – from a traditional breakfast to a satisfying dinner that brings something new to your table.

The BEST Haitian Spaghetti Ever!!