Adaora's Recipe

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The Recipe for Jollof Spaghetti and Meatballs:
Spaghetti and Sauce
  1. lb usually 1 box thin spaghetti
  2. 2 3/4 cups chicken stock I used a home made stock
  3. 5 large about 2 lbs plum/ roma tomatoes
  4. >1 large onion
  5. 1 red bell pepper
  6. 2 scotch bonnet peppers
  7. 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  8. 2 tsp bouillon powder
  9. 1 tsp dried thyme
  10. 1 tsp curry powder
  11. A small handful of basil optional
  12. One pinch of salt
Meatballs
  1. lb of ground meat (preferably pork or beef)
  2. 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  3. 1 egg
  4. 1 teaspoon kosher salt, more as needed
  5. Black pepper and/ or ground cumin, curry powder, chile flakes, garam masala, etc.
  6. Minced garlic, onion, scallions or shallot
  7. Chopped parsley, basil or cilantro
  8. Olive oil, for frying(optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend the tomatoes, onions, and peppers until smooth.

2. Boil down the tomato sauce on in a pot on medium- high heat until the sauce is about half the amount, and has thickened significantly to look like a paste. This takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on how high the heat is.

3. Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from burning.

4. Once the sauce is reduced, pour in the stock, oil, thyme, curry powder and bouillon. At this stage, taste the sauce and adjust for salt.

5. Add in the spaghetti, pushing it down or breaking it to fit into the pot.

6. Cover and allow to cook for 5 minutes on low-medium heat.

7. After 5 minutes, the pasta should be soft enough to stir. Stir, turn down the heat to low, and allow to cook for another 8-10 minutes.

8. After 8 minutes, stir, and the pasta should be cooked. If it is not, add in a splash (about 1/4 cup) of water and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.

9. If you choose to add basil, add it in at this stage, and then serve.

Notes: When stirring the pasta, you may notice that the bottom of the pot may burn slightly, do not panic. This burn gives your dish a distinct party jollof taste. Count it as a bonus privilege.

1. For meatball: In a large bowl, gently combine all ingredients. Roll into 1 1/2 in balls. Transfer to a baking sheet.

2. Broil until golden and firm, 7 to 10 mins. or fry in oil until deelpy browned all over. Sprinkle with more salt before serving.


As a Nigerian myself, I think Nigerian spaghetthi and meatballs are delicious! The meatballs are made with a blend of spices that give them a unique flavor, and the spaghetti is cooked to perfection. The dish is also very filling, making it perfect for a hearty meal. I love the combination of flavors and textures in this dish, and I think it's a great way to experience Nigerian cuisine.