Spiced Tomato Dipping Sauce – Moroccan Style
Introduction
This rich and aromatic Spiced Tomato Dipping Sauce is infused with the warm, fragrant spices of Morocco, creating a zesty and flavorful accompaniment for a variety of dishes. Its versatility shines through, whether served with traditional Moroccan dishes, grilled meats like chicken, shrimp, or steak, or even as a perfect match for frozen appetizers like chicken fingers and cheese sticks. Inspired by a recipe found in Gourmet Magazine and adapted for modern kitchens, this sauce is both easy to prepare and brimming with complex flavors. Whether you’re preparing Moroccan Chicken Bundles or a quick dip for your favorite appetizers, this dipping sauce will undoubtedly elevate the taste experience.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Recipe Category: Sauces
- Servings: Approximately 1 ½ cups
- Yield: 1 ½ cups
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1/3 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
| Fresh Ginger | 1 ½ teaspoons, grated |
| Ground Cumin | ¾ teaspoon |
| Hot Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground Cinnamon | ¼ teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper | 1 pinch (optional) |
| Ground Cloves | 1 pinch |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cider Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Tomatoes (peeled) | 1 cup, chopped |
| Brown Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 231.3 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 26.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 35.3 g |
| Fiber | 4.7 g |
| Sugar | 27 g |
| Protein | 3.4 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Aromatics
Start by finely chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and grating the fresh ginger. These aromatic ingredients will form the base of your dipping sauce, giving it depth and flavor. Make sure to prep them ahead of time so that you’re ready to sauté them all at once. -
-
Sauté the Onion and Spices
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over moderate low heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion, garlic, grated ginger, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), and ground cloves. Sauté the mixture, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and fragrant—this should take about 4 minutes. The spices should begin to bloom in the oil, releasing their aromas. -
Add Vinegar
Stir in the cider vinegar. Allow it to simmer with the onion and spice mixture for about 1 minute. This step will help mellow out the acidity of the vinegar while blending its sharp flavor with the spices. -
Simmer the Tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes, along with their juices, to the pan. Follow by adding the brown sugar, which will balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the depth of flavor. Stir to combine all the ingredients. -
Cook the Sauce
Increase the heat slightly to bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the sauce to thicken slightly. You’ll notice the sauce reducing as it cooks, concentrating its flavors. -
Cool and Blend
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and purée it until smooth. Be sure to let the sauce cool a little before blending, as hot liquids can splatter. Take caution during this step to avoid burns. -
Serve
Serve the sauce at room temperature or slightly warmed. It pairs beautifully with Moroccan dishes, grilled meats, or as a zesty dipping sauce for snacks like chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, or even roasted vegetables.
Tips & Variations
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Storage: This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious after a day or two.
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Make it Spicier: If you love heat, feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to taste, or add a few more dashes of hot paprika.
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Vegan Adaptation: This sauce is naturally vegan, making it a great choice for a plant-based diet.
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Tomato Options: If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can substitute with canned tomatoes—just make sure to use unsalted, chopped tomatoes for the best results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spiced Tomato Dipping Sauce strikes the perfect balance between savory, sweet, and spicy notes. It brings a touch of exotic Moroccan flavors to your table without the need for complicated cooking techniques. Whether you’re serving it with a hearty dish like Moroccan chicken or using it as a dipping sauce for finger foods, this versatile sauce is sure to impress your guests. With ingredients that are easy to find, a straightforward cooking process, and a rich, full-bodied flavor profile, it’s the perfect addition to any home cook’s repertoire.
