LEBANESE TOMATO SAUCE

Lebanese Tomato Sauce image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 8h30m

Yield Makes about 1 3/4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/2 pounds medium yellow, orange, or red tomatoes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1 teaspoon coarse salt
3 cloves garlic, smashed

Steps:

Bring a pot of water to a boil; prepare a large ice-water bath. Cut a shallow X in the bottom of each tomato; place in pot and blanch 20 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to ice bath; let cool completely. Peel and discard skins.
Core, halve, and squeeze tomatoes to remove seeds and pulp. Transfer flesh to a food processor. Add oil, cumin seeds, pepper flakes, and salt. Pulse just until a chunky sauce forms (about 8 times). Transfer to a bowl. Stir in garlic. Refrigerate, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature and remove garlic before serving.