I swear, it wasn’t because I was unpopular. (Or that’s what I would like to think)
One summer, I must have been in the fifth or sixth grade, I celebrated my birthday with a party. The downside of having your birthday in the summer months was that it always coincided with school holidays, which usually meant, only a handful of classmates could actually make it.
I never really thought it was a big thing until I was made painfully aware of this fact when, during this party, only three guests showed up.
“Maybe the traffic is holding them up.” my Mom said.
“Yes, yes… it’s the traffic.” I liked to believe.
An hour into the party, one of the guests declared she had to leave early so our three guests would soon dwindle down to two. The dance floor was looking bare…
The Blog Monster, and this is why I love her, decided to take matters into her own hands.
She called my older brother and whispered a few words into his ears.
Fifteen minutes later, two of his friends from the village joined the party, then a few minutes later, another three friends and then five more came! It was great to see so many “older boys” join the party!
Hours later, when everyone left, and I was opening my presents, I asked my Mom “Exactly what did you say to get so many people to come to the party?”
“I told your brother, to tell his friends, that I was making baked spaghetti” she replied.
Made with chorizo, bell peppers, a secret herb and an ultra creamy bechamel sauce, it’s no wonder The Blog Monster’s words that night enticed so many to come to my birthday party. This is one of party dishes that everyone looks forward to. This recipe, also known as Spaghetti Royale, was my Grandmother’s recipe.
Recipe
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 3 pieces chorizo, diced
- 500 grams ground beef (optional)
- 1/2 bunch coriander leaves, chopped
- 550 grams tomato sauce (for example, barilla)
- salt, pepper and sugar to taste
- 500 grams spaghetti noodles, cooked as per instructions on the box
- grated parmesan cheese
- Heat the olive oil in a heavy based pan and add the onion and garlic. Saute for a few minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the peppers and saute until soft over medium heat until soft.
- Next, add the 3 pieces of chorizo and cook until browned, five or so minutes.
- If using ground beef, add it now – cook until browned and the liquid from the beef has evaporated.
- Add the cilantro and the tomato sauce and simmer for around 25 to 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper and a pinch of sugar.
Bechamel Sauce
- 70 grams butter
- 40 grams flour
- 2 cans evaporated milk (375 ml each)
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Melt the butter in a heavy based sauce pan and add the flour. Cook out the flour for a few minutes over low heat, to remove the “floury” taste.
- Slowly add the evaporated milk, whisking it in, a little at a time.
- Continue to whisk the mixture until thick, around 10 minutes.
- Add the nutmeg and season to taste.
To Assemble:
Place the spaghetti noodles in a casserole dish and mix in the tomato sauce mixture and a quarter of the bechamel sauce. Mix well and top with the rest of the bechamel and some grated parmesan cheese.
Bake in a pre-heated oven 180c (fan forced) for 2o to 25 minutes until the cheese has melted.
[…] Baked Spaghetti Royale – How to Win Friends and Influence People …May 16, 2010 … I’ve never tried baking spaghetti before. This really looks fit for a Queen! And I promise you, if you have a party with this on the table you’ll … […]
I’ve had this recipe in the back of my mind and tip of my tongue since you posted it. Over 18 months later, I finally made it. SO GOOD!
This looks great – both the recipe and the lovely pictures. One question before I make this: how much chorizo should be included? I know it likely depends on personal taste, but could someone give me a starting point for how much “3 pieces of chorizo” really is (e.g., three small chorizo sausages, or three small pieces of a single sausage, or a recommended weight in grams)?
[…] of the Filipino food bloggers I follow, Trissalicious, has an amazing recipe for baked spaghetti. I decided that this is what I was going to try. I had to make a few adjustments right from the […]
[…] Original with better pictures to be found here […]
I made this last night and it was a total hit! I did use a lot more chorizo and used some fenugreek and no cilantro but, considering a dish that could have served six people got eaten by two in under three hours, its been a staggering success!
And my partner says he would totally go to a party just because this dish was promised there!
awwww what a sweet story…good ole mom and baked spagetti. :)) the spaghetti certainly loook to die for…so mouth watering that Ill have to try it.
Hi Trish, my sons (and I) thank you for this recipe. A big hit! The cilantro added a nice flavor twist to the dish. Very yummy.
I’ve never tried baking spaghetti before. This really looks fit for a Queen! And I promise you, if you have a party with this on the table you’ll definitely have for a guest! 😀
OMG … my first food-related gasp of the day! This looks insanely inviting and scrumptious. Definitely will be making this very very soon.
This looks amazing, I want this right now. Creamy pasta delicious!
This looks Delicious! I’ve never seen a recipe with this combination, and put together like this. I love the idea of the Bechamel Sauce. I can’t wait to try this! I can see why your mother’s whispered words worked for your birthday party. I just discovered your blog tonight. You have a beautiful, informative, inspiring blog.
I made a baked spaghetti in phyllo a while ago and realized then what a hit that type of dish was; yours looks so appetizing all one wants to do is dig in!
Love baked spaghetti and such an elegant presentation!
nothing like great food as a secret weapon to win friends — I frequently take baked goods over to work and to job sites to try keep everyone happy. i sometimes feel like its a little too obvious: but having read your lovely story i can safely say, obvious works! the spagetti looks delicious, and grandmothers recipes really are always the best!!
I have vowed not to eat carbs until I’m bikini ready…I’m still running everyday and drooling every time my daughter orders a baked spaghetti. And that’s often ’cause it’s her favourite! I’ll have to just lick my screen. Looks yummy!
This looks like the ultimate comfort food. The chorizo sold me on it– I’ll definitely give this one a try…
I like this dish. SO creamy and also full of carbs. I can consider this as a one full meal. And it really rocks. Like your Mom’s trick! Thanks.
Aww what a lovely story! Great pics, Trissa 🙂
Oh what a sweet story. I would have run to your birthday party too if I could get one of these bowls of baked spaghetti. yum!!
This looks delicious! And your story is adorable! I’ll definitely be trying this out next time I have guests over. Thank you for sharing!
You’ve elevated the status of spaghetti with this recipe. I like the bechamel sauce used. Terrific!
This looks so delicious and easy, yet presents itself in such an extravagant fashion! Thanks for the great post. Your story reminded me of a similar party in my young life! LOL
What a beautiful looking dish Trissa! But that story… you must have felt awful even though your friends might not have been able to make it due to valid reasons… still… I am sure I would have been shocked had I been in my teens and that happened to me… lol.. maybe that is why I never gave parties!
Ohhhhhhh…… I might have to make this! I love the way you wrote that post – I adore hearing the stories behind a recipe. Thank you.
wow this looks so ambrosial Trissa! 🙂
With the delicious look like that, this baked spaghetti could repeat its sucess over and over again! Photos are beautiful and tempting 🙂
Sawadee from Bangkok,
Kris
Baked spaghetti is great and always popular. No wonder you got all those kids to come to the party. Good idea! Obviously you were an ingenius child!
I’ve never seen spaghetti look so good! Your story was very cute too. I’ve had a tough time finding time to write a proper post lately, but I found your’s very inspiring.
Sounds as good as it looks! Can’t wait to try it soon. Don’t worried, I’ll show up even if without the baked spaghetti! Be happy and have a wonderful day!
Cheers, Kristy
LOL! too funny! Gotta love Moms!!
This does look like an instant friend-maker:)
what a nice story! It’s good to remember why some dishes are so special for us. I never heard about baked spagethi but I have to discover it !
Waw!!
The dish looks truly amazing & I so love the secret herb in here: corainder leaves,..now’s that is a real twist!! Another georgous recipe of yours to try, dear Trissa!!
OMG THIS LOOKS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.
I would eat spaghetti in almost any form but I think this will top the list. Your pictures are gorgeous!
I have never heard of baked spaghetti! That looks so darn gorgeous 🙂 I love the story too, what a quick thinking blog monster!
wow this is real comfort food! Lovely presentation.
what a wonderful story, love your blog monster! my mom used to bake spaghetti too, yours looks very upscale and delicious.
hi, trissa! was rooting around michelle’s facebook and looking at baptism photos and found you. 🙂 this looks amazing – if only i could get motivated to cook (alas, i’m not passionate enough about it to get over the hurdle of cooking for one), I’d definitely try this out. i love baked spaghetti.
anyway, it was good to have met you! another illustration of how small the world actually is – manggy (who made the first comment) was actually one of my interns when i was working as a resident in PGH… and is now a very good online friend. (I’m sure you’ve seen his blog and agree it is awesome!)
cheers and keep cooking!
If I didn’t know better I’d say that this spaghetti might have propelled you all the way to the top of the social ladder! 😉 LOVE IT!
Your story makes me smile and your lovely dish makes me hungry. Is it posssible….hungry and yet smiling??? Only at Trissa’s blog!
wow it looks beautiful.. well too bad for your friends who missed it !
Now this is white-tablecloth spaghetti! Elegant and dainty. Well, if spaghetti can be dainty. 😉
I just love how this baked spaghetti looks…rich and creamy…yummie!
Well no wonder! That looks divine! All rich and gooey! I guess your mother had quite a rep for this recipe that it brought everyone out….with gifts too!
Ditto on Peter’s comment. How could you go wrong with this recipe. I didn’t even eat it and you’ve influenced me – I’ll be your friend!
🙂
hehe
Valerie
Your pictures are just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your grandma’s recipe. And I like how each recipe of yours is accompanied by a different story – a different snippet of you 🙂
I just love a little pot of pasta.. adorable dish and photo!
the prospect of eating some cheesy, creamy spaghetti would certainly get me to come running! smart lady, that blog monster. 🙂
Dear Tricia:
So sorry do we need to switch off the fire as we whisk in the carnation milk onto the flour butter mixture? Thanks it really look delicious
Hi Yulianny! Don’t switch off the fire when you whisk in the evaporated milk but do make sure to whisk constantly! Good luck!
Trissa
heavenly comfort food!
blowing peachkisses
The Peach Kitchen
peach and things
this looks so good 🙂
what a cute story, my hubby would love this..me too–ha ha
sweetlife
that looks so inviting Trissa, I love that thick bechamel on top.. I have never tried adding cilantro to spaghetti (is that the secret herb?), I’ll give it a try..thanks for sharing your grandma’s recipe 🙂
The power of baked spaghetti!! I must try hahaha
What a cute story!! The same thing would happen to me in present-day! haha
This baked spaghetti dish looks amazing. I’m bookmarking this recipe pronto.
Yum! My boyfriend loves spaghetti, I’ll definitely try out your version!
What a lovely Mum. I love the idea of baked spaghetti. Back in the ’80’s I used to make a spaghetti cake.
I can see it has cooked to perfection. That golden colour makes my mouth water! 😀
Dear Trissa – I can’t stop the drool from running down my face! Jeez, woman you’re killing me 😉 I am on a low carb thing right now but boy would I cheat for this beauty!
Also love the take on the Dale Carnegie title! And the fact that it is your grandma’s recipe is so very special 🙂
THANKS for sharing. My boys would dig this so am definitely placing this in the recipe folder 🙂
Ciao, Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
I’m speechless. The bechamel sauce…chorizo…brilliant! What a fantastic dish. I will definitely be making this for my family soon. I am always appreciative of people who are willing to share their wonderful family recipes. (I found you through foodgawker…you have a lovely website).
Great story, trissa! I love casseroles of all kinds, especially ones with pasta, and yours is exactly what I’d want! Only you could take a casserole and make it look so elegant! It looks so amazing, and with the addition of chorizo..I’m craving a bite or 20! Just give me the whole thing! lol
Whoa. Your Mum certainly doesn’t need a milkshake to bring all the boys to the yard!
ah! decadence!!! I can see why all the boys came running !! of course your charm cannot be denied ;-)))
Oh my, that is one heart-stopping layer of bechamel!
I love that story. What a clever Mom! -Tien 🙂
WOW! Gorgeous! You can definitely influence me with a plate of that! I will totally come to your party daaaaaaahling.
*kisses* HH
That scrumptious looking spaghetti sure would entice me to come to a party 🙂 Actually, my eldest has her birthday during the summer holidays, and it is tricky to organise a party that everyone can attend.
She’s a clever cookie most certainly…
Molto Grazie! I can’t wait to make and eat it..I love family recipes..they are always the best.
We love the BM – superb social skills………………she has! LOL
We just had this tonight, courtesy of the blog monster… Lucky me, my mom decided to leave this tasty casserole for us in Trissa’s fridge. All I needed to do was dot with butter and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top before putting it into my oven. Ben loved it so much he has seconds, and then another helping on top of that. He said it was just too yummy! Thanks Mom 🙂
Oh wooww, look at that cheesy golden layer on top…no wonder it attracted everyone to the party!
Every royalty must eat his spaghetti royale 😀 …
That looks delicious!!
Hehe . . I’d turn up to your party if that was on offer.
wow This looks seriously yummy and comforting!
That looks awesome. I will come to your party any time 🙂
Absolutely yummy looking! Invite me round anytime for this meal and I’ll come with a birthday present!!
That is a wonderful twist to spaghetti. My family would love that.
you have the sweetest mom. =) and that’s one mean baked spaghetti. Thanks for the inspiration.
Mmmm…this looks so good I want to make it now! Chorizo? Bechamel? You’ve ticked all the best boxes with this one Trissa! I’m sure your party turned into a great success after this was served!
Great post. I love your families recipes they are so diverse and they all look delicious.
What a cute story ;)! I’ll have to remember your mama’s trick and this beautiful recipe. Thanks for sharing, Tris!
Wow! That looks simply delicious! My mom makes a “spaghetti pie” that is wonderful as well, but I think I’ll try to make this one sometime as a variation.
Cute story to accompany this delicious pasta dish! Welcome back blog monster and many more recipes from her!
Looks great! What a great idea to put them in single serving pots (or ramekins) I will do this with my Moussaka dish.
The Blog Monster is so endearing… from the glimpses of her that you have shown us, I think I can see some of her in you 🙂 Obviously this one has immense drawing power! Will earmark this!
I can’t wait to meet the blog monster. All her recipes are so amazing. The baked spaghetti looks fantastic and I can’t wait to try it.
Be still, my beating heart! This will be my dinner sometime within the week! It looks absolutely divine!
I love the stories that you include with your posts.
I can relate to what you’ve written, too. Not a great feeling, but I’m glad that your mom could, in a way, fix it. Older boys make everything better 😉
Baked spaghetti looks amazing! Not that it would have influenced whether or not I came to any party of yours! 😛
What a marvelous, happy twist to a childhood memory that started off a little down. Your grandmother’s Baked Spaghetti Royale will undoubtedly win you even more friends now! Everything about it looks and sounds delicious. 8-D
This is one of my favourite sorts of comfort foods – creamy and carby and delicious. Cheers for sharing the recipe!
Hi Trish, I’m gonna try this soon hehehe happy cooking :))