Spitzaredu(Spaghetti With Potato Sauce)
Spitzaredu is a hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring tender potato sauce served over spaghetti, infused with herbs and savory meatballs, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, sauté a little onion in a small amount of olive oil until translucent.
- Add all the potato cubes and the can of tomato paste to the saucepan.
- Stir potatoes for about 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Add a little water if the mixture looks too thick, and stir until the potatoes are soft.
- Fill the saucepan 3/4 full of water.
- Add salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and your own meatballs to the saucepan.
- Let the mixture simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- When cooked, pour the sauce over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of cream or using a mix of sweet and yellow potatoes. If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the meatballs and add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavors, so feel free to substitute dried oregano and basil with fresh if available. This dish is reminiscent of Italian recipes that use simple ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti topped with the potato sauce, and consider garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This dish pairs beautifully with Insalata Di Fagiolini (String Bean Salad) for a refreshing side. For a heartier meal, enjoy it with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the sauce gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spitzaredu(Spaghetti With Potato Sauce) contains roughly 127 calories, with 6g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 507mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by omitting the meatballs. You can add more vegetables or even use plant-based meat substitutes to enhance the flavor and texture. The potato sauce itself is naturally vegan, making it a great option for those following vegan recipes.
What type of spaghetti works best for this dish?
Any type of spaghetti works well, but a thicker spaghetti could hold up better against the hearty potato sauce. You might also consider using linguine for a slightly different texture. Both options will complement the sauce beautifully, so use what you have on hand.
How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
To adjust the spice level, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce during simmering for a bit of heat. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of black pepper and use sweet basil instead of spicy varieties. Tailor the seasoning to suit your taste!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).