1. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside. Toss with a small amount of vegetable oil to prevent sticking if needed.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the ground pork (and beef if using) to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon.
- Stir in the sliced hot dogs or sausages (if using) and diced ham (if using) and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano if using. Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust sweetness and seasoning to taste.
3. Combine and Serve:
- Once the sauce is thickened and flavorful, add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the sauce. Toss to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Sweetness Balance: Filipino Spaghetti is known for its sweeter flavor compared to Italian versions. Adjust the amount of brown sugar and ketchup to suit your taste.
- Ingredient Variations: Feel free to customize the sauce by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or using different types of sausages.
- Cheese Option: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch of richness. For a more authentic Filipino twist, you can use quick-melt cheese or a combination of both.
Conclusion
Classic Filipino Spaghetti is a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of Filipino comfort food with its sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite of this delicious and nostalgic dish!
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