Spiced Tomato Dipping Sauce

Spiced Tomato Dipping Sauce Recipe from Morocco

Region / culture: Morocco | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spiced Tomato Dipping Sauce is a flavorful and versatile condiment that can be used as a dip, spread, or sauce for a variety of dishes. This sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will enhance any meal.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Indian tomato chutney, which is a popular condiment in Indian cuisine. The combination of spices and tomatoes creates a rich and aromatic sauce that is perfect for dipping or drizzling over dishes.

Ingredients

0.25 cup finely chopped onions
1 clove finely chopped garlic
1.5 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger, peeled
0.75 tsp cumin
0.5 tsp hot paprika
0.25 tsp cinnamon
1 pinch cayenne
1 pinch ground cloves
1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 tbsp cider vinegar
400 g can coarsely chopped tomatoes (reserve juice)
2 tbsp brown sugar

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and spices in olive oil over moderate heat.
Frequently stir the mixture for about 4 minutes, or until the onion is softened.
Stir in the vinegar and simmer for about 1 minute.
Add the tomatoes, including their juice, and the brown sugar.
Slightly increase the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally and checking regularly.
Remove from heat when the sauce slightly thickens, approximately after 30 minutes of cooking.
Allow the sauce to cool slightly before transferring it to a blender. Blend until smooth.

Variations

Add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Stir in a tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro or mint for a burst of freshness.
For a sweeter version, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the onions, garlic, and ginger to ensure they blend well in the sauce.

- Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of cumin, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, and cloves to suit your palate.

- Be sure to simmer the sauce until it thickens to achieve the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Spiced Tomato Dipping Sauce with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for bread or crackers.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant to release their flavors.

- Simmer the sauce over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.

- Substitute white vinegar for cider vinegar if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Spiced Tomato Dipping Sauce in a small bowl garnished with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This sauce pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb, or tofu. It also complements rice dishes and flatbreads.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sauce in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 80

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 12g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 8g

Fats

Total Fat: 4g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Proteins

Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

Vitamin C: 15%

Calcium: 4%

Iron: 6%

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

This Spiced Tomato Dipping Sauce is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy and flavorful addition to your meals.

Summary

Spiced Tomato Dipping Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. With a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, this sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was enveloped in a cloud of delicious aromas that instantly made my mouth water.

Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she handed me a bowl of vibrant red tomatoes. "These are the key to the most delicious spiced tomato dipping sauce you'll ever taste," she said with a twinkle in her eye.

Intrigued, I watched as Maria expertly chopped the tomatoes, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that. The kitchen soon filled with the scent of garlic, onions, and a medley of spices that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

As the sauce simmered on the stove, Maria shared with me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a cherished family secret, and Maria was delighted to share it with me.

After a few hours of stirring and tasting, the sauce was finally ready. Maria poured it into a small dish and handed me a crispy breadstick to dip into it. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a world of bold flavors and exotic spices. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, I was determined to master the art of making spiced tomato dipping sauce. I spent hours in my own kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and proportions, trying to recreate the magic that Maria had introduced me to.

I scoured recipe books, consulted with other friends and family members, and even attended cooking classes to learn more about the art of spice blending. I was on a mission to perfect my own version of the sauce that had captured my heart.

After countless trials and errors, I finally stumbled upon the perfect combination of tomatoes, spices, and love. My version of the spiced tomato dipping sauce was a hit with my family and friends, who couldn't get enough of its rich, tangy flavor.

Over the years, I have continued to tweak the recipe, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with new ingredients. Each batch of sauce is a labor of love, made with care and attention to detail.

I have shared the recipe with countless people, passing on the tradition that Maria started so many years ago. It brings me joy to see others enjoy the fruits of my labor, and I am grateful for the friendships and memories that have been forged over a simple bowl of spiced tomato dipping sauce.

As I sit in my kitchen now, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home, I am reminded of the journey that led me to this moment. The recipe for spiced tomato dipping sauce is more than just a collection of ingredients - it is a story of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with those we love.

And as I take a bite of a freshly made batch of sauce, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where it all began. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.