Te Puedes Casar Episode 7: Dominican Spaghetti

A cultural tradition from the beach, to a get together, and even for meatless Fridays.

Summers growing up were all about family—and that meant day trips to the beach with my entire family whenever NYC got super humid and hot on the weekends. It was our escape from the city, a way to cool off and enjoy each other’s company. I always knew it was a beach day when I’d hear my mom chattering away on the phone in a three-way call with my aunts, deciding who was bringing what for the trip. They’d take turns: one would make the spaghetti, another would bring the utensils, and someone else would handle the drinks. It was a well-oiled machine. By the hour, we’d all jump into a few cars, and off we’d go to the Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes).

Right before we took off, we made sure everyone was accounted for—and, of course, that the olla of spaghetti was in tow. This wasn’t just any spaghetti. It was spaghetti in a homemade criollo red sauce, a dish we call empaguetadas. This was comfort food, beach food, and family food all in one.