Filipino Style Spaghetti

A much sweeter version of spaghetti. This is how I like to make mine. Sometimes I add sliced mushrooms and bell peppers, too. Note: In response to a question about the recipe; Filipino food does tend to be on the heavier side, but in an attempt to lighten this dish, you can omit the sugar, or use a sugar substitute, but the banana ketchup is necessary to sweeten the sauce. You can also use ground turkey instead of ground beef, for less fat.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  lb spaghetti noodles
• 26  ounces  spaghetti sauce (I like Prego or Rinaldi brand)
• 12  ounces  jufran  banana ketchup (usually easy to find in the Asian grocery aisle)
• 1  lb ground beef or 1  lb ground turkey
• 6  hot dogs
• 4  garlic cloves, minced
• 2⁄3 cup onion, diced
• 1  cup carrot, diced into cubes
• 1⁄8 cup sugar (optional)
• 1  bay leaf
•  grated cheese, of your choice (anything that melts nicely)
•  olive oil, for cooking
•  water, for cooking pasta
•  salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the noodles as per package direction. Drain and rinse. Set aside.
2. Slice the hot dogs on the bias (diagonally) and nuke them til cooked, about 1-2 minutes depending on your microwave.
3. Heat some oil. Saute garlic and onions. Then add in the meat. Cook till brown. Season with some salt and pepper.
4. Pour in the spaghetti sauce, banana ketchup, sugar, bay leaf and water.
5. Mix and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it gets thick and red.
6. Add in the hot dogs last. Mix and just let the hot dogs heat through. Sauce is done!
7. Top the noodles with the warm sauce. Sprinkle with quick melt cheese!