Haitian Spaghetti, known locally as espageti, is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish made with a savory tomato-based sauce, diced vegetables, and chopped hot dogs or sausage. While many think of spaghetti as a lunch or dinner food, in Haiti this dish is a beloved breakfast staple — often served with hard-boiled eggs, sliced avocado, or a piece of bread for a filling start to the day.
This simple one-pot recipe comes together in under 40 minutes and offers bold flavors thanks to Haitian epis (a fragrant herb and spice blend), fresh veggies, and a touch of cloves. It’s a dish full of heart, history, and home-cooked warmth.
Why Haitians Eat Spaghetti for Breakfast
In Haiti, hearty breakfasts are common — and spaghetti fits the bill perfectly. Served street-side in Port-au-Prince or cooked in family kitchens across Haiti and South Florida, this dish fuels the day with a satisfying mix of carbs, protein, and spice.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- ½ lb spaghetti
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp Haitian epis
- 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 bouillon or soy/Worcestershire mix)
- 4 hot dogs, sliced into rounds (or sausage of your choice)
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- ⅓ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt, to taste
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Boil spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ⅓ cup of the pasta water for later.
- Sauté the aromatics – In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add epis and cook until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add vegetables – Stir in onion, green pepper, red pepper, and tomatoes. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Build the sauce – Add tomato paste, Maggi cubes, sliced hot dogs, and ground cloves. Stir to coat.
- Simmer – Pour in reserved pasta water and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, until slightly thickened. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine – Toss in the cooked spaghetti and stir until the noodles are well-coated in sauce.
- Serve – Plate with half a boiled egg on the side and enjoy hot, with optional avocado slices or bread.
Recipe Tips
- Swap the meat: If you don’t like hot dogs, try smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even seafood. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely.
- Texture fix: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Flavor boost: Browning sausage before adding epis can add extra depth — but letting it cook in the epis gives it more aromatic flavor.
Serving Ideas
Traditionally eaten for breakfast, Haitian spaghetti is also great for brunch or a quick dinner. Pair it with:
- Fresh avocado slices
- Crispy bread rolls
- A tangy side of pikliz (Haitian pickled vegetables)
Haitian Spaghetti is more than just pasta — it’s a taste of Haiti’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re enjoying it at sunrise with a boiled egg or making it for a cozy weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to bring bold flavors and satisfying comfort to your table.