Filipino Spaghetti

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Filipino spaghetti! This unique twist on the classic pasta dish features a rich tomato sauce with the addition of ground beef, onions, garlic, red pepper, and carrots. The special ingredient, banana sauce, adds a touch of sweetness and distinct Filipino flavor. Savor the combination of flavors as you enjoy this comforting and hearty meal. This recipe is perfect for feeding a family of four, creating a delicious and memorable dining experience. And very kids-friendly.

Ingredients:

300g spaghetti noodles

300g ground beef

1 onion (finely chopped)

3 cloves of garlic (minced)

1 red bell pepper (finely chopped)

1 carrot (grated)

1 can (400g) tomato sauce

3 tablespoons banana ketchup (banana sauce)

4 beef sausages (sliced)

2 tablespoons cooking oil

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Grated cheese, (for garnish- optional)

Fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish optional)

Directions:

Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Break up any large chunks with a spoon or spatula.
Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and grated carrot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Pour in the tomato sauce and banana ketchup. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
In a separate pan, cook the sliced beef sausages until they are browned and cooked through. Set them aside.
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, add the cooked beef sausages to the sauce and stir to combine.
Serve the Filipino spaghetti by placing a portion of cooked spaghetti noodles on a plate or bowl. Ladle the sauce over the noodles and top with grated cheese, if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.