Filfel Chuma (libyan Spicy Tomato Sauce)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4–5 cloves garlic
• 2–3 hot chile peppers
• 4–5 ripe tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• to taste parsley

Steps

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped chili peppers.
3. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes to the saucepan.
5. Stir well.
6. Sprinkle the ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, coriander, salt, and pepper over the tomatoes.
7. Mix the spices into the sauce.
8. Stir in the tomato paste.
9. Reduce the heat to low.
10. Simmer the sauce for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
11. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
12. Let the sauce cool slightly.
13. Transfer the sauce to a blender, or use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
14. Alternatively, if you prefer a chunky texture, you can skip this step.
15. Stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
16. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
17. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.