"Espageti ak Aranso"
​Haitian Spaghetti and
​Smoked Herring

Smoked herring (aranso) can be found in a variety of Haitian cuisine such as "Diriz ak Aranso" (rice and smoked herring), "Bannann ak Sos Aranso" (plantains in smoked herring sauce), or as in this recipe, "Espageti ak Aranso" (spaghetti and smoked herring). I will tell you upfront that smoked herring has a very strong scent that can easily fill up your home so if you plan to cook smoked herring, regardless of the type of dish, make it outside or have a bunch of scented candles and air freshener near by for the aftermath. My son complains of the smell every time I cook the stuff. "Ew mommy! What is that smell?!" But he doesn't complain when it comes time to eat it! 

Typically, this is a dish usually served for breakfast (hence the side of boiled eggs) but you can eat this any time of day. The smoked herring has such a strong flavor and enough salt that just a little goes a long way. You do not need any extra seasoning (except I use salt in the pasta water for boiling and a dash of oregano at the end) and the smoked herring provides a depth of flavor unlike any other. My husband said this brought him right back to Haiti when he was growing up at the first bite of this and I hope it may bring you some of that nostalgia as well. Unless this is your first time ever, hopefully it'll be something new to try and enjoy if you're wanting a little taste of Haiti. 

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Ingredients:

1 lb Spaghetti
1 Onion, sliced or diced
1 Bell pepper, sliced or diced (may mix colors)
3 tbsps. tomato paste
1/4 cup oil (preferably EVOO)
2 Scallions, chopped
2-3 Garlic cloves, minced
2-3 tbsps. Epis
4-5 fillets of Smoked Herring (about 1/4 - 1/3 cup chopped)
​Water
1 Habenero Pepper, sliced (optional)
2 tbps. Butter (optional)
1 tsp. 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. (Optional Step) Add in about 2 tbps. of butter and mix well. 

8. Add in the drained spaghetti and mix well to combine with the sauce. 

9. (Optional) Sprinkle in some dried oregano for a dash of extra flavor. 

10. Lastly, mix in some diced scallions to top off your dish. 

11. Enjoy it as a meal of it's own or add a side of boiled eggs if desired. 

See below for video demonstration:

Do you like smoked herring (aranso) and spaghetti? Would you eat this with or without the boiled eggs?
​Let me know and comment below!