Gulf-style tomato sauce (Daqqus)

1. Grate the tomatoes or purée them in a food processor and discard the skins.

2. Heat the olive oil in a small pan and fry the crushed garlic for half a minute until fragrant, without letting it brown.

3. Add the cumin and chilli flakes, then the tomato purée, and stir for 1 minute.

4. Pour in the grated tomato and water, season with salt and simmer over low heat for 10-12 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Remove from the heat and season with the lime juice.

6. Serve warm or at room temperature with kabsa, machboos or grilled meat.

Tip: Daqqus is the simple, spicy-tangy tomato sauce of the Persian Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain), spooned over rice and meat dishes. If you like it hotter, add a finely chopped green chilli too.