Nigerian Spaghetti Recipe: A Vibrant, Flavor-Packed Jollof Fusion

Spaghetti in Nigeria is more than just pasta—it’s an emotion. A steaming plate of Nigerian Spaghetti Jollof bursts with rich, smoky tomato sauce, tender meats, and crunchy veggies like carrots and green beans. This meal isn’t just food—it’s comfort, celebration, and culture on a plate.

We’ve crafted this recipe to bring you the exact flavors you’d get from a street corner vendor or family gathering. Let’s dive into this savory delight!

What Makes Nigerian Spaghetti Jollof So Special

This dish is the perfect blend of:

Spaghetti cooked jollof-style in rich tomato stew
Umami depth from ground crayfish
Crunchy carrots and green beans adding texture and nutrition
Juicy meat or fish that soaks up every drop of that flavorful sauce

It’s not just spaghetti—it’s a bold, spicy meal experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 sachet (500 g) spaghetti
1 small tin of tomato paste (about 200 g)
400 ml blended tomatoes, peppers, onions
1 cup sliced onions
Ground pepper (to taste)
3 tablespoons ground crayfish
3 seasoning cubes (e.g., Maggi or Knorr)
Salt (to taste)
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced green beans
1 green bell pepper (optional)
1 kg mixed proteins (fish, chicken, or beef)
300 ml vegetable oil

Prep Tips Before You Start

Blend fresh tomatoes, peppers, and onions ahead of time.
Slice carrots and green beans evenly for uniform cooking.
Season and boil your proteins until just cooked—don’t discard the stock!
Parboil spaghetti for 5–8 minutes, drain, and set aside.
Keep your crayfish dry and finely ground for even flavor spread.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Chop, Prep & Season

Slice all vegetables and set aside.
Blend tomatoes, scotch bonnet peppers, and onions until smooth.
Season meat with salt, cubes, and onions. Parboil until tender and save the stock.

Parboil Your Spaghetti

Cook spaghetti in lightly salted water until just underdone.
Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.

Build the Sauce

In a wide pot, heat oil and sauté onions until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste. Fry for 3–5 minutes.
Add the blended tomato mix and cook on medium heat until the sauce thickens and the oil floats to the top.

Flavor Boost

Pour in your meat stock.
Add seasoning cubes, crayfish, salt, and ground pepper.
Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to build flavor.

Add Protein and Spaghetti

Add cooked meat or fish to the sauce.
Gently stir in the parboiled spaghetti.
Cover and let it cook on low heat for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Final Touch: Veggies

5 minutes before the spaghetti is done, add the sliced carrots, green beans, and green bell pepper.
Stir well, cover, and let it steam for a few more minutes.

Why Carrots & Green Beans Make a Difference

These veggies aren’t just for color. They:

Add crunch to balance soft noodles
Boost your dish with fiber, vitamins A and C
Keep things visually appealing and nutritious

It’s a small touch that elevates the entire experience.

Tasty Variations to Try

Vegetarian Option

Skip the meat and use mushrooms or tofu.
Add more crayfish or vegetable bouillon for depth.

Seafood Delight

Use only fish or shrimp for a lighter, coastal feel.
Add dried shrimp or smoked mackerel for extra umami.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to a month.
Reheat with a splash of water in a covered pan or microwave.

Perfect Pairings

Sides: Fried plantains, coleslaw, garlic bread
Drinks: Chilled zobo, malt, Chapman
Dessert: Puff-puff or fresh fruit salad

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: 600 kcal
Protein: 30–35 g
Carbohydrates: 60–70 g
Fiber: 8–10 g
Fat: 25 g
Rich in Vitamin A, C, and iron

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, just adjust for water content and blend with peppers for authenticity.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be! Adjust the number of scotch bonnets to control the heat.

How do I keep the spaghetti from getting soggy?

Parboil briefly and don’t overcook when simmering in the sauce.

Can I skip crayfish?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Use smoked fish or bouillon for similar depth.

Does it reheat well?

Very well. Just reheat with a few tablespoons of water to avoid dryness.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap with gluten-free spaghetti.

What if my sauce is too watery?

Simmer uncovered until the liquid reduces and thickens.

Final Thoughts

This Nigerian Spaghetti Jollof with crayfish, carrots, and green beans is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor and tradition. Whether you’re feeding guests or just treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed showstopper.

Don’t forget to snap a pic before you dig in—because this plate is as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious!

References

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Nigerian Spaghetti Recipe: A Vibrant, Flavor-Packed Jollof Fusion