Filipino-style Spaghetti with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) spaghetti 500 grams (1.1 lbs) spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 250 grams (8.8 oz) ground pork 250 grams (8.8 oz) ground pork
• 250 grams (8.8 oz) hot dogs, sliced diagonally 250 grams (8.8 oz) hot dogs, sliced diagonally
• 1 can (400 grams / 14 oz) tomato sauce 1 can (400 grams / 14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup banana ketchup 1 cup banana ketchup
• 1 cup water 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated cheese, for garnish Grated cheese, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 70g, 20g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground pork to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the sliced hot dogs and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Pour in the tomato sauce, banana ketchup, water, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the cooked spaghetti with the sauce on top. Garnish with grated cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork — Make sure to cook the ground pork thoroughly until it is no longer pink and has a slightly browned color.
• Banana ketchup — Banana ketchup is a popular Filipino condiment that adds a unique sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with regular ketchup mixed with a small amount of banana puree.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a longer time until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Serve the Filipino-style spaghetti with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Filipino-style spaghetti hot, garnished with grated cheese. Accompany it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some chopped parsley or basil leaves on top of the spaghetti. Serve it in a large pasta bowl or individual plates for an appetizing visual appeal.