Moroccan Tomato Sauce Recipes

MOROCCAN KOFTE WITH SPICY TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Soak eight wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes, to stop them burning.
• Using your hands, mix the meat in a bowl with the onion, coriander, mint and plenty of seasoning. Shape into 8 sausages, about 10cm long, then thread a bamboo skewer through the centre of each.
• To make the sauce, heat the oil in a pan, add the garlic and briefly fry. Add tomatoes, harissa, sugar and seasoning. Simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 mins until sauce has thickened.
• Grill the kofte for 6-8 mins, turning until they are nicely browned (be careful not to burn the skewers). Spoon the sauce over a warm platter, drizzle over the yogurt and put the kofte on top. Scatter with pine nuts and serve with pittas or couscous (recipe, below).

MOROCCAN EGGS IN TOMATO SAUCE (SHAKSHUKA)

Steps:

• The instructions below are for either cooking with a Tagine (Moroccan earthern pot) or a regular frying pan.
• Take a tagine and put the olive oil, chopped leeks, grated garlic and about one fourth cup water and place it on a heat diffuser set over a stove and cook over medium to low medium heat for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• If using a frying pan, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped leeks or red onion, grated garlic and about one fourth cup water and let is simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Add the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, spices, salt, pepper, sugar and let it simmer for additional 5 to 10 minutes.
• Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding 1-2 tablespoons water as needed, until it is like thick pasta sauce.
• When simmering make sure to place the tagine top or lid as applicable.
• Crack the eggs into the sauce. Cover the dish with the tagine top or lid and poach the eggs for about 5 to 6 minutes until the eggs are well set.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
• Transfer the dish to a dry wooden surface.
• If using a tagine to prepare this dish, remember that the heat from the hot tagine (earthern pot) will continue to cook the eggs even after removing the dish from the stove, so you may turn off the stove and transfer the dish before it reaches your preferred final consistency for the eggs. Let it rest for 3-5 minutes and it will be as you desired.
• Serve these Moroccan eggs in tomato sauce with toasted bread of your choice. I prefer thick Mediterranean style flat breads.

MOROCCAN ZAALOUK RECIPE

Steps:

• Bring a big pot of water to boil, lower the heat to medium-high and add your diced aubergine. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the aubergines have completely cooked trough. We are not looking for al dente here, they have to be very soft. Drain, and set aside.
• Cut your tomatoes in half, lengthwise. Grab a box grater and grate your tomatoes face down until the only thing your left holding is the skin. Be careful not to hurt yourself. (See notes)
• Heat up a sauce pan on medium heat and add olive oil. Once your olive oil is hot, add your onions and saute for 4-5 minutes or until your onions get translucent. Then add tomato pulp & juice, tomato paste, spices, salt and pepper and garlic. Cook your tomato sauce for 10-12 minutes with the lid on.
• Add your cooked aubergine into the sauce. You will notice that the texture is chunky and still a bit watery. Remove from the heat. Grab a potato masher or even a fork and mash your aubergines until you get a smooth consistency.
• Put your sauce pan back on the stove at medium-low heat and let it simmer uncovered for another 7-10 minutes or until most of the water evaporates.
• Remove from the heat. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and some freshly topped cilantro. Serve with a nice hunk of bread and enjoy!

SPICED TOMATO DIPPING SAUCE - MOROCCAN STYLE

Steps:

• Saute onion, garlic, ginger and spices in olive oil in large saucepan over moderately low heat.
• Stir frequently until onion is softened, about 4 minutes.
• Stir in vinegar and simmer over moderately low heat about 1 minute.
• Add tomatoes with juice and brown sugar.
• Increase heat slighly and simmer, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.
• Cool slightly.
• Puree sauce in blender or food processor until smooth.
• Be careful when blending hot liquids.
• Serve at room temp or slightly warmer.

MOROCCAN TOMATO COUSCOUS RECIPE

Steps:

• Heat a splash of sunflower or vegetable oil in a medium-sized pot.
• Once the oil is hot pour one can of blended or well-chopped tomatoes into the pot.
• Add salt to taste, pepper to taste, 1/2 tbsp of 35 spices (optional Moroccan spice), 1/8 tsp of oregano, 1/8 tsp of marjoram, and 1-2 tbsp of tomato puree.
• Add 2-3 cups of water or chicken/vegetable stock to the pot. Stir the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Then bring the mixture to a boil.
• Next, add 350 g of couscous to the pot.
• Stir the couscous. Leave to cook on low to medium heat for 7-10 minutes or until soft. Turn the couscous from time to time and add more water if necessary. Option to add 1/4 of thinly sliced onions.
• Once the couscous has softened add 1/2 to 1 tbsp of butter and use a fork to stir lightly. This will add moisture to the couscous.
• Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley!

MOROCCAN MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Make Meatballs: Place lamb in a large bowl. Measure in 1 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, half the chopped parsley, and 1 tsp salt. Mix to incorporate seasonings through meat. Roll meat into 1 inch balls and set aside.
• Make the Sauce: Turn on food processor and drop garlic through feed tube. Let machine run until garlic is chopped, then stop. Remove lid and scrape down sides of the bowl. Add teh drained toamtoes, olive oil, tomato paste, and onion. Add remaining 1 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and remaining parsley. Process until nearly smooth. Scrape into a pan or deep skillet that is 10 inches across. Set over medium heat and bring to a boil. Cook 2-4 minutes and then remove from heat.
• Nestle meatballs into sauce in a single layer. Swirl pan gently to ensure that meatballs are covered with sauce. Set over medium heat with lid slightly ajar and cook 10-12 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through. Taste and add more salt if necessary. If sauce is very thick, add a bit of water. Serve.