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Halloween Spaghetti (Vegetarian) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 135 reviews

This Halloween Spaghetti recipe is a spooky and delicious vegetarian pasta dish perfect for the fall season. Featuring a rich, flavorful tomato sauce made with aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of Italian herbs, it gets a festive twist with mozzarella ‘eyeballs’ garnished with black olives to create a fun and eerie presentation. The sauce is simmered to develop depth, balanced with a touch of sweetness and tang from balsamic vinegar, then tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles for a hearty and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce

  • 1 medium white onion, minced
  • 6 large cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) tomato paste
  • 1 ½ tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 2 28-oz (1.6 l) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chopped basil
  • 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti noodles, cooked

Eyeballs

  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella ciliegine (small mozzarella balls)
  • 8–10 large pitted black olives
  • 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, dark brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavors and caramelize the paste slightly.
  3. Add Crushed Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add Italian seasoning, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and baking soda. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the sauce to thicken and develop rich flavors.
  5. Finish the Sauce: Stir in grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil just before turning off the heat. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cook Spaghetti: Meanwhile, cook spaghetti noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. Assemble the Eyeballs: Slice each black olive in half or into ring shapes to create the ‘pupil’. Carefully press an olive piece into the center of each mozzarella ciliegine. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for shine and flavor.
  8. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with the warm sauce. Serve the spaghetti on plates and decorate the top with the mozzarella ‘eyeballs’ for a festive Halloween presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its bright flavor and aroma.
  • The baking soda is added to reduce acidity in the tomato sauce and give it a smoother taste.
  • For a vegan version, omit parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
  • Ensure the olives are pitted for easy cutting and placement on mozzarella balls.
  • This dish pairs well with a crunchy garlic bread and a simple green salad.

Keywords: Halloween pasta, vegetarian spaghetti, spooky spaghetti, mozzarella eyeballs, Halloween dinner, Italian sauce recipe

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/halloween-spaghetti-vegetarian-recipe/