Domates Soslu (Turkish Tomato Sauce)
Domates Soslu (Turkish Tomato Sauce) - kvalifood.com
A quick, all-purpose Turkish tomato sauce. The kavurma technique – frying tomato paste in oil until it darkens and becomes fragrant – is the defining step. Dried mint is the characteristic herb. The sauce is intentionally thin and quick, not thick and long-reduced like Italian tomato sauce.
Makes ca. 350 ml (4 servings)
Ingredients
- 4 medium tomatoes, grated on a box grater (skins discarded)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (salca)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1/2 tsp pul biber (Aleppo-style red pepper flakes)
- 1/2 tsp dried mint
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt, to taste
Directions
Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and tomato paste. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant (kavurma).
Pour in the grated tomato pulp. Add sugar, vinegar, salt, black pepper, and pul biber. Stir to combine.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened but still pourable.
Remove from heat. Stir in dried mint. Taste and adjust.
Notes
For a simpler dip version, skip onion and garlic. Just simmer grated tomato with olive oil, salt, and dried mint for 5 minutes.
Biber salcasi (red pepper paste) can replace or supplement the tomato paste for a more complex flavor.
Serve over grilled kofte, alongside fried vegetables, with bread, or as a base for braised dishes.
See Also
Muhammara (Turkish Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)
Biber Salcasi (Turkish Red Pepper Paste)
Mojo Rojo (Canary Islands Red Sauce)
