Lesotho-style Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

This Lesotho-style Tomato Sauce differs from the original French sauce tomate by incorporating traditional Lesotho flavors and spices. The addition of chilies and ginger adds a spicy kick, giving the sauce a distinct taste. The use of local ingredients and Lesotho's culinary influence transforms the sauce into a vibrant and flavorful accompaniment. We alse have the original recipe for Sauce tomate, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, diced 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 red chilies, finely chopped 2 red chilies, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 14g, 9g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes, red chilies, ground ginger, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened.
5. 5.
   Stir in the tomato paste and brown sugar. Season with salt to taste.
6. 6.
   Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly.
8. 8.
   Transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
9. 9.
   Return the sauce to the saucepan and gently reheat before serving.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside your favorite dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Red chilies — Adjust the amount of chilies according to your spice preference.
• Ginger — Fresh ginger adds a vibrant flavor, but you can use ground ginger as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the chilies before adding them to the sauce.
• Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• This sauce pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for bread.

Serving advice

Serve the Lesotho-style Tomato Sauce warm alongside your favorite dishes. It complements grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or can be used as a flavorful dip for bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Lesotho-style Tomato Sauce with fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in a small bowl or ramekin alongside the main dish.