Royal Rumble*: Filipino Spaghetti with a Spicy Kick (Chicken Edition)

There's something undeniably comforting about a plate of spaghetti. It's a simple dish with the power to bring people together, a nostalgic reminder of childhood meals and family gatherings. 

In the Philippines, I passionately made it for my loved ones, knowing it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a warm hug in a bowl. "Something long, spaghetti for long life!" so they would say whenever there's someone to celebrate his / her birthday.

The loss of my close friend on 29 April 2024 has left me deeply saddened. Though the wish for 'spaghetti for long life' feels bittersweet now, I hope to find solace and connection as I navigate through this grief.

The sad news adds to the melancholic atmosphere as we anticipate another strong storm approaching, with mobile phone alerts already circulating.

Christopher Morley, an American journalist, novelist, essayist and poet, said, 

No man is lonely eating spaghetti; it requires so much attention.

Let's see if it will help me combat my deep loneliness.

Yesterday after finishing my laundry in the morning and other home tasks in the afternoon, I cooked spaghetti using my leftover noodles. I want to share with you how I did it.

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This recipe adds a delicious twist to the classic Filipino spaghetti with the inclusion of chicken pranks and a touch of chili oil for a flavor explosion in every bite.

Ingredients:

• Royal spaghetti
• Knorr cube
• chicken pranks, sliced (approximately 1 cup)
• cooking oil
• Del Monte spaghetti sauce (Filipino style)
• tomato sauce
• chili oil
• onion, chopped (divided)
• chopped tomatoes
• chopped garlic
• ground black pepper
• salt
• Oyster fish sauce
• soy sauce
• mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti:

   • Boil water in a large pot. Add a little oil and Knorr cube to dissolve.
   • Cook the Royal spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the chicken pranks:

   • Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Add the chicken pranks and cook until browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the sauce:

   • In the same pan used to cook the chicken pranks, add half the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
   • Add the chopped tomatoes and garlic, and cook for another minute.
   • Add the Del Monte spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, chili oil, remaining chopped onions, black pepper, salt, oyster fish sauce, and soy sauce.
   • Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

4. Assemble and serve:

   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, chicken pranks, and sauce. Toss well to coat.
   • Divide the spaghetti mixture among serving plates.
   • Top each serving generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings, depending on your desired portion size.

Tips:

• You can adjust the amount of chili oil to your desired level of spiciness.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter or cooking cream to the sauce.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Note: Adding the chicken pranks directly to the sauce while cooking infuses them with the sauce flavors, eliminating the need for pre-frying.


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*Why "Royal Rumble"? 

The inclusion of "Royal Rumble" in the title evokes a sense of excitement and unpredictability, similar to the wrestling event. It suggests the dish will be a flavorful and potentially spicy experience, with the chicken pranks adding an unexpected twist.