Kuwaiti Tomato Sauce (Dukkous Al-Tamat)

• oil1 tablespoon
• garlic cloves↗4 -6

  crushed

• ripe tomatoes↗1 1⁄2 lbs

  peeled and chopped (or as I do, plain canned tomatoes, sauce consistency)

• salt↗
• brown sugar↗

  to taste (if using canned tomato sauce)

• bahrat mixed spice1 teaspoon

  (Baharat Aka Middle East Mixed Spices - the Real Mix)

• tomato paste↗1 1⁄2 tablespoons

  if using canned sauce

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat oil in a pan and add crushed garlic, cook for only a few seconds.

2. 2

   Add tomato paste if not using fresh tomatoes and saute for about 30 seconds (This will give a pleasant depth to its taste and help get rid of the raw metallic taste.).

3. 3

   Add fresh tomatoes if using and sea salt to taste or canned sauce which may not need any sea salt at all. Add sugar if wished. (I find it helps canned tomato sauce taste better).

4. 4

   Cover and leave to simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

5. 5

   Add bahrat, cook with lid off for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

6. 6

   Serve with rice dishes.

7. 7

   Sauce may be stored in a sealed jar in the refridgerator and heated as required.