Tanzanian Sweet Fried Spaghetti (Tambi za Kukaanga na Sukari)
Tambi za kukaanga na sukari is a Swahili dish of spaghetti fried in oil, then simmered in sweetened, cardamom-scented water until every strand has absorbed it. Frying the dry pasta first turns it golden and gives it a toasted edge that plain boiling cannot. Raisins are optional, and in Tanzania the noodles are often served alongside egg sauce or chicken, so sweet and savory share the plate.
Instructions
Warm a few tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Add the dry spaghetti to the hot oil and fry it, turning it often, until it turns golden. Frying first gives the noodles a toasted flavor before any liquid goes in.
Pour in the water, then add the sugar, ground cardamom, salt and raisins if you are using them. Stir so the sugar dissolves and the spaghetti settles into the liquid.
Cover the pan and let the spaghetti cook, stirring now and then so it does not stick. It is ready when the pasta is tender and has soaked up all the water.
If the pan dries out before the spaghetti is soft, add a little more water and keep cooking with the lid on.
Serve the spaghetti hot.
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