Whole30 Matbucha

Dive into the rich, smoky flavors of Whole30 Matbucha, a vibrant, slow-simmered Moroccan tomato and bell pepper relish that’s as healthy as it is delicious. This Whole30-compliant recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients—like charred red bell peppers, juicy ripe tomatoes, and fragrant garlic and onions—into a deeply flavorful condiment that pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables or grilled proteins. The secret lies in the low-and-slow cooking method, which melds the paprika, cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes into a bold, aromatic sauce with just the right hint of spice. Ready in under two hours with minimal effort, this nutrient-packed dish is perfect as a dip, side, or flavorful topping, making it a versatile addition to your Whole30 meal plan.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 whole large ripe tomatoes
• 2 whole red bell peppers
• 1 whole yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Begin by prepping the vegetables. Peel the tomatoes: using a sharp knife, score an 'X' at the bottom of each tomato. Blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skins should easily peel off.

Step 2

Once peeled, chop the tomatoes into small cubes and set aside.

Step 3

Char the bell peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until the skins are blackened. Place them in a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let them steam for 10 minutes, then peel the skins off, remove seeds, and chop the peppers.

Step 4

Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 5

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, and bell peppers to the pan. Stir in the paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the liquid to reduce completely. This will take about 60 to 90 minutes.

Step 8

Once the mixture has thickened and all liquid is reduced, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Remove from heat and let the matbucha cool to room temperature before serving. Enjoy as a dip with compliant vegetables or as a side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1127.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	538.4

Total Fat 31.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2381.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 59.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.5g	0%
Total Sugars 32.3g
Protein 11.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 163.2mg	0%
Iron 6.0mg	0%
Potassium 2548.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.8%

Protein: 8.3%

Carbs: 41.9%