Daqqus (Kuwaiti Tomato and Garlic Chili Sauce)
Local name: دقوس
In short: A tangy cooked tomato sauce with garlic, chili, cumin and lemon, served beside rice and fish dishes across Kuwait. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 60 kcal
Daqqus is the sauce that arrives with almost every Kuwaiti rice dish. Tomatoes are cooked down with garlic, chili and cumin, then brightened with lemon juice until the sauce is thick, tangy and a little hot. It is spooned over rice, fried fish, shrimp and machboos. Cooks keep a jar in the fridge, since it tastes better after a day, and use it again as a dip for bread.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion for 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic, chilies, cumin and coriander and stir for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, salt and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until thick and glossy.
- Mash the tomatoes with the back of a spoon, or give the sauce a few pulses with a hand blender, leaving some texture.
- Stir in the lemon juice and cilantro and taste. Add more salt, lemon or chili as you like.
- Cool, then serve at room temperature or chilled, with rice, fish, shrimp or bread.
Tips
- The sauce should taste tangy and a little sharp, because it balances rich rice and fried fish. Add more lemon juice if it tastes flat.
- In a hurry, blend raw tomatoes with the garlic, chili, cumin and lemon for a fresh version. It keeps for one day in the fridge.
Questions and answers
How long does daqqus keep?
Up to 5 days in a clean, covered jar in the fridge. The flavor deepens after the first day.
Can I freeze daqqus?
Yes, for up to 3 months in small containers. Stir it well after thawing, since it may separate a little.
How hot is daqqus?
Medium. The chilies give a steady warmth, so remove the seeds for a mild sauce or add an extra chili for a fiery one.
How long does it take to make Daqqus (Kuwaiti Tomato and Garlic Chili Sauce)?
About 35 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Daqqus (Kuwaiti Tomato and Garlic Chili Sauce)?
About 60 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 60 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
