Tomato gravy is a popular recipe across the world, and South Africa is no exception. It is a versatile dish that can be used as a base in various dishes or served as a side dish. Tomato gravy is easy and quick to prepare, making it an ideal dish for busy individuals who want to enjoy a delicious meal. In this article, we will show you how to make tomato gravy South Africa style from scratch.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups of water
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make tomato gravy South Africa style:
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Finely chop one large onion and set it aside. Mince four cloves of garlic and dice four large ripe tomatoes. Measure out all the other ingredients and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the onions and garlic
Place a saucepan over medium heat, add three tablespoons of vegetable oil and let it heat up. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent.
Step 3: Add the diced tomatoes
Add the diced tomatoes to the saucepan and continue sautéing for another 5 minutes or until the tomatoes become soft and the juices are released.
Step 4: Add the remaining ingredients
Add one tablespoon of tomato paste, one tablespoon of sugar, one tablespoon of vinegar, one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, half a teaspoon of paprika, half a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and two cups of water to the saucepan. Mix well.
Step 5: Simmer and stir
Let the tomato gravy simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and reduces by about a third.
Step 6: Cool and serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the tomato gravy cool for a few minutes. You can serve it as a side dish with your meal, or use it as a base for your recipe.
Tips and variations
- You can add cooked meat like beef, chicken, or lamb to the tomato gravy to make a hearty stew.
- If you prefer a chunky gravy, you can skip blending the sauce and leave it as it is.
- If the gravy is too thick, you can add more water to thin it down to your desired consistency.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or coriander to the gravy to enhance its flavour and aroma.
Tomato gravy is a simple recipe that you can make anytime. It is one of those classic dishes that everyone should know how to prepare. Use the recipe above to make the best tomato gravy South Africa style, and enjoy its delicious taste and versatility.