Print Options:

Espageti ak Aransò

Yields5 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time25 minsTotal Time40 mins

Haitian spaghetti with smoked herring packed with tons of flavor.

A plate of Haitian smoked herring and spaghetti served with boiled eggs and garnished with scallions and cilantro

Ingredients
 1 lb spaghetti
 1 onion, sliced or diced
 1 bell pepper, sliced or diced (may mix colors)
 3 tbsp tomato paste
 ¼ cup cup oil (preferably EVOO)
 2 scallions, chopped
 3 garlic cloves, minced
 2 tbsp epis
 5 fillets of Smoked Herring
 ½ cup water
 1 habanero pepper, sliced (optional)
 2 tbsp butter (optional)
 1 tbsp oregano (optional)
Directions
1

Prepare your smoked herring by soaking and rinsing well in water to remove excess salt. Remove as much bones as possible. Rinse again and chop the smoked herring into small pieces.

2

Boil your spaghetti according to the package directions in salted and lightly oiled water. Drain the spaghetti and put aside.

3

Return the same pot to the stove on medium high heat and add 1/4 cup of oil (you can use the oil of your choice; I am using extra virgin olive oil) and the chopped smoked herring. Mix well and sauté for about 1-2 minutes.

4

Add in the remaining vegetables (sliced onions, sliced bell peppers, minced garlic, epis, and the optional sliced habanero peppers) and mix well.

5

Add in the tomato paste and also mix this in well with the vegetables. Allow it to sauté for another minute or two.

6

Next, add in about 1/2 cup of water. Again, mix well until the tomato paste melds in with the water and forms a uniform consistency.

7

Add in about 2 tbps. of butter and mix well, then add in the drained spaghetti and mix well to combine with the sauce.

8

Sprinkle in some dried oregano for a dash of extra flavor, and lastly, mix in some diced scallions to top off your dish. Enjoy it as a meal on it's own or add a side of boiled eggs if desired.

Notes

Smoked herring (aranso) can be found in a variety of Haitian cuisine such as "Diri ak Aransò" (rice and smoked herring). Bannann ak Sos Aransò (plantains in smoked herring sauce), or as in this recipe, "Espageti ak Aransò" (spaghetti and smoked herring).

Haitian spaghetti, is a beloved comfort dish often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch across Haiti. Influenced by Caribbean flavors and local seasonings like epis, it’s commonly prepared with smoked herring, hot peppers, and aromatics, creating a bold, savory meal that reflects Haiti’s rich culinary heritage and resourceful cooking traditions.

Nutrition Facts

5 servings

Serving size

1

Amount per serving
Calories520
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g31%

Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 55mg19%
Sodium 780mg34%
Total Carbohydrate 58g22%

Dietary Fiber 5g18%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 22g
Vitamin A 270mcg30%
Vitamin C 40mg45%
Calcium 120mg10%
Iron 3.5mg20%
Potassium 670mg15%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.