Savory Egyptian Spiced Tomato Sauce
Indulge in this rich and flavorful Egyptian Tomato Sauce, crafted to perfectly complement mujadara, a traditional lentil and rice dish. This sauce features a delightful blend of sautéed onions and garlic, infused with the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes, a hint of vinegar, and balanced with a touch of sugar. Topped with caramelized onions and served alongside a refreshing yogurt cucumber salad, this sauce is more than just a topping; it's a celebration of flavors that evokes the heart of Egyptian cuisine. A dear friend once said this is the best tomato sauce she's ever tasted, and I invite you to experience it for yourself!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (finely chopped)
garlic
5-7 (crushed)
tomato juice
2 cups
vinegar
1 teaspoon
oil
2 tablespoons (can add more if desired)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
sugar
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it is golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
2
Add in the crushed garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3
Pour in the tomato juice and sprinkle in the sugar. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
4
Stir in the vinegar along with salt and pepper to taste, and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5
Remove from heat and serve the sauce over mujadara, garnished with caramelized onions and alongside a cool yogurt cucumber salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Egyptian Spiced Tomato Sauce?
It is a rich and flavorful Egyptian sauce crafted to perfectly complement mujadara, a traditional lentil and rice dish.
What dish is this sauce traditionally served with?
This sauce is specifically designed to be served over mujadara, which is a traditional Egyptian lentil and rice dish.
Is this Egyptian tomato sauce vegan-friendly?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided and the recipe tags, this tomato sauce is vegan.
How many cloves of garlic are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 to 7 cloves of crushed garlic.
How long should I sauté the onions?
You should sauté the finely chopped onions for approximately 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized.
What type of tomato base is used in this sauce?
This recipe uses 2 cups of tomato juice as the base for the sauce.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors and acidity of the tomatoes.
Can I adjust the amount of oil used?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of oil but notes that you can add more if desired.
What ingredient provides the tangy flavor in the sauce?
A teaspoon of vinegar is added at the end of the cooking process to provide a hint of tanginess.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 15-20 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What side dish is recommended to accompany this sauce?
It is recommended to serve this alongside a refreshing and cool yogurt cucumber salad.
Is this recipe considered a type of comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is described as a celebration of flavors that evokes the heart of Egyptian cuisine.
What are the main seasonings used in this sauce?
The main seasonings are garlic, salt, pepper, sugar, and vinegar.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be crushed before being added to the pan.
At what point in the cooking process is the vinegar added?
The vinegar is stirred in after the sauce has simmered for 15-20 minutes, during the final 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Can I use this sauce for other Mediterranean dishes?
While designed for mujadara, its Mediterranean and Egyptian flavor profile makes it suitable for various regional dishes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients including onions, garlic, tomato juice, and spices are naturally gluten-free.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped before sautéing.
What is the approximate total cooking time?
The total cooking time is approximately 25 to 35 minutes.
What texture should the onions have after sautéing?
The onions should be golden brown and caramelized.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifies adding salt and pepper to taste.
What culture does this recipe originate from?
This recipe is a staple of Egyptian cuisine.
How do I know when the sauce is finished cooking?
The sauce is ready when it has thickened slightly and the flavors have fully melded together after simmering.
Should the garlic be added at the same time as the onions?
No, the garlic should be added after the onions have caramelized, and cooked for only an additional 1-2 minutes.
What garnish is recommended for the final dish?
The recipe suggests garnishing the final dish with caramelized onions.
Is this tomato sauce spicy?
The recipe focuses on savory and tangy flavors rather than heat, though you can adjust pepper to your preference.
Can this sauce be prepared in advance?
Yes, tomato-based sauces like this one often store well and can be reheated for service.
What type of oil should I use?
The recipe doesn't specify a type, but standard cooking oils or olive oil common in Mediterranean cooking work well.
Why is sugar used in this tomato sauce?
Sugar is used to balance the acidity of the tomato juice and enhance the natural sweetness of the caramelized onions.