Yemeni Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, diced 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 red chili peppers, finely chopped 4 red chili peppers, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add minced garlic and chopped red chili peppers. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add diced tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly.
6. 6.
   Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
7. 7.
   Return the sauce to the saucepan and stir in lemon juice.
8. 8.
   Simmer the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Red chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to ensure it blends well into the sauce.
• Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for its distinct flavor.
• Lemon juice — Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy brightness to the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder version, remove the seeds from the red chili peppers before chopping.
• Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
• Serve the sauce at room temperature for the best flavor.
• Experiment with adding other spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a unique twist.

Serving advice

Yemeni Spicy Tomato Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be served as a condiment alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for bread. It adds a delightful kick to sandwiches, wraps, and even pasta dishes.

Presentation advice

Serve the Yemeni Spicy Tomato Sauce in a small bowl or ramekin, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. The vibrant red color of the sauce will make it visually appealing and inviting.