🍲 Matbuhan - Moroccan Tomato Jam 🍅

This delightful Moroccan dish is a family favorite, perfect as a condiment or spread. With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, Matbuhan is a must-try for anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine!

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🌍 What Is Matbuhan?

Matbuhan is a traditional Moroccan tomato jam made from ripe tomatoes, peppers, and spices. It’s often enjoyed as a spread on bread or as a flavorful addition to various dishes. This dish captures the essence of Moroccan cooking with its simplicity and depth of flavor.

🧾 Ingredients

**Base:**

- 6 ripe tomatoes

- 4 cloves of garlic

- 2 green peppers

- 3 tablespoons of olive oil

**Optional:**

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon turmeric

- 1 teaspoon hot paprika

- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Tomatoes:**

- Wash the tomatoes and remove the green tops.

- Score the bottom of each tomato with a cross shape.

2. **Blanch the Tomatoes:**

- In a large pot, bring water to a boil.

- Prepare a bowl of ice water.

- Place a few tomatoes at a time in the boiling water until the skin starts to peel off.

- Transfer the tomatoes to the ice water for a few minutes.

3. **Peel and Chop the Tomatoes:**

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- Once cooled, peel the skin off the tomatoes easily.

- Chop the tomatoes into cubes and place them in a large pot.

4. **Prepare the Garlic and Peppers:**

- Peel and chop the garlic cloves into cubes. Add them to the pot with the tomatoes.

- Remove the stems from the green peppers and pierce them with a fork.

5. **Fry the Peppers:**

- In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat.

- Add the peppers and fry until they are brown on all sides.

- Remove from the oil and let cool for a few minutes.

6. **Peel and Chop the Peppers:**

- Using a fork, hold the peppers and peel off the skin with a knife.

- Cut the peppers in half, remove the seeds, and chop them into cubes.

7. **Mix the Spices:**

- In a bowl, combine salt, turmeric, hot paprika, sweet paprika, and olive oil. Mix well.

8. **Cook the Mixture:**

- Add the chopped tomatoes and garlic to the pot and let them reduce until almost all the liquid is evaporated.

- Stir in the oil and spice mixture along with the chopped peppers.

- Cook for an additional 15 minutes until the mixture reaches a jam-like consistency.

🍽️ How to Serve

Serve Matbuhan warm or at room temperature on crusty bread, paired with vegan cheese, or as a condiment to enhance your favorite dishes.

💡 Pro Tips

- Choose very ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference; add more hot paprika for extra heat.

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- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

🔥 Why You’ll Love This

Matbuhan is not only delicious but also versatile! It’s a fantastic way to elevate simple meals and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, making it a guilt-free indulgence!