2000s Recipes + Menus

Spiced Tomato Sauce

Makesabout 1 1/2 cups
  • Active time:20 min
  • Start to finish:1 hr
December 2003
This Moroccan-style dipping sauce would also be delicious on grilled chicken or fish.
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of cayenne
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 (14 1/2- to 15-oz) can whole tomatoes in juice, coarsely chopped (reserving juice)
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • Cook onion, garlic, ginger, and spices in oil in a 1- to 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring, until onion is softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in vinegar and simmer over moderately low heat 1 minute. Add tomatoes (with juice) and brown sugar, then increase heat to moderate and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes. Cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Purée sauce in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Serve at room temperature.
Cooks’ note: Sauce can be made 3 days ahead and cooled completely, then chilled, covered.
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