Tunisian Pepper and Tomato Makbuba Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-27 · Updated 2026-07-27

A signature Tunisian table sauce featuring roasted red peppers and tomatoes simmered with garlic and spices, perfect as a versatile condiment. This African-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs red bell peppers, roasted and peeled, ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 3 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp harissa paste
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Roast 3 large red bell peppers under a broiler or on a grill until the skin is blackened and blistered. Place in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10 minutes, then peel off the skins and remove seeds.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 4 peeled and chopped medium tomatoes, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tbsp harissa paste. Simmer for 15 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens.
4. Step 4: Chop the peeled roasted peppers and add them to the saucepan. Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Let cool before serving as a vibrant table sauce with bread or grilled dishes.