Hajar’s Wicked Sauce Tomatish!

The scent of my grandmother’s kitchen is forever etched in my memory: a warm, comforting blend of spices, simmering tomatoes, and the ever-present aroma of freshly baked bread. On countless afternoons, I’d sit at her wooden table, watching her stir a vibrant red sauce, its fragrance filling every corner of the house. She always made a little extra, just for me to dip chunks of crusty bread, a simple pleasure that felt like the most delicious meal in the world. That sauce, her own take on the classic Moroccan tomatish, was the taste of home, of love, and of countless shared memories.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: About 2 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 8 ounces tomato paste or tomato concentrate
• 6 ounces water, plus extra for more thinning as necessary
• 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped finely
• 1 cup sweet white onions, chopped finely, or 1/2 cup onion, grated
• 2 fresh tomatoes, grated and set aside
• 2 tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper, feel free to heap it a bit
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 lemon, juice of

Equipment Needed

• Skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Grater
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Begin by prepping your ingredients. Finely chop the garlic and onions. If you prefer, you can grate the onions instead of chopping them; either works well. Grate the fresh tomatoes and set aside. Chop the fresh parsley and coriander.

2. In a skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan, place the vegetable oil, onions, garlic, parsley, coriander, salt, and pepper.

3. Turn the burner to low heat and sauté the mixture until the onions are soft and translucent, making sure there is no browning. This should take about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep the heat low and be patient – developing the flavors slowly is key.

4. Add the paprika and allow it to blend with the other ingredients over the heat for 1 minute. This step intensifies the flavor of the paprika.

5. Add the grated tomatoes, and stir to blend them in. The mixture will become more liquid.

6. Turn the heat up to medium and add the tomato paste or tomato concentrate. Stir and blend with the other ingredients for about 30 seconds, ensuring everything is well combined. This helps to prevent any bitterness from the tomato paste.

7. Add the water and stir well. Then, add the lemon juice, adjusting the amount to your taste preference. Start with half of the lemon and add more if you like a tangier sauce.

8. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a bubble. Add more water to reach your desired consistency. The sauce can range from nearly “chicken broth” thin to as thick as canned tomato sauce, but never so thick that it doesn’t slide nicely from a spoon. This is where your personal preference comes into play. Simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use a high-quality tomato paste or concentrate. San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent choice if you want to make your own paste.
• Don’t skip the sautéing step. Cooking the onions and garlic slowly over low heat mellows their flavor and prevents them from becoming bitter.
• If you want to add a little heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
• Fresh herbs are best, but if you only have dried herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and 1/2 teaspoon of dried coriander.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking. Some people prefer a more tart sauce, while others prefer a sweeter one.
• If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
• You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually improve overnight.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Hajar’s Wicked Sauce Tomatish! is incredibly versatile. It’s traditionally served as a dipping sauce for bread, allowing you to scoop up pieces of meat or vegetables from a communal platter. It’s also fantastic with homemade french fries, poured into hot sandwiches, or mixed into spaghetti/macaroni, and rice.

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	128 kcal	6%
Total Fat	5.7g	8%
Saturated Fat	0.8g	3%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	603.8mg	25%
Total Carbohydrate	19.1g	6%
Dietary Fiber	4.5g	17%
Sugars	10.6g	42%
Protein	3.7g	7%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Tomatish: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the sautéing onions and garlic.
• Smoked Paprika Tomatish: Substitute regular paprika with smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.
• Herbaceous Tomatish: Experiment with other fresh herbs like mint or oregano in addition to, or instead of, parsley and coriander.
• Roasted Vegetable Tomatish: Roast vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, and zucchini until tender, then blend them into the sauce for added sweetness and nutrients.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh grated tomatoes?
A: While fresh grated tomatoes are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can substitute with about 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes, crushed well. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid.

Q: Can I make this sauce without onions?
A: While the onions add a foundational sweetness, you can omit them if necessary. Consider adding a pinch of sugar or a touch of grated carrot for a similar sweetness.

Q: How can I make this sauce smoother?
A: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the sauce after it has simmered. Be careful when blending hot liquids.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
A: You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always best. Use about 1 tablespoon of bottled lemon juice.

Q: Can I add other spices to this sauce?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like cumin, coriander seeds (ground), or a pinch of turmeric for added depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give Hajar’s Wicked Sauce Tomatish! a try. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful sauce that can elevate so many dishes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. This is a sauce that’s meant to be enjoyed, shared, and personalized. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a little bit of magic in your kitchen. And please, let me know what you think! I can’t wait to hear about your own variations and culinary adventures with this delicious sauce.