Vegan Uie en Tamatie Smoor
A deeply comforting and flavourful South African relish or stew, "Smoor" features tender, caramelised onions slowly simmered with ripe, sweet tomatoes until rich, thick, and wonderfully aromatic. Simple ingredients transform into a complex, savoury sauce that perfectly balances sweetness, acidity, and a hint of spice. This versatile dish is a staple accompaniment, enhancing everything from pap (maize porridge) and rice to curries and grilled vegetables. Naturally plant-based and free from all animal ingredients, it delivers authentic, home-cooked warmth and a burst of vibrant flavour in every spoonful.
Shared by semy
Time
35 min
Serves
5
Difficulty
easy
🛒 Ingredients
- #Base & Aromatics;
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil.. 2 large onions — thinly sliced or diced
- 2 cloves garlic — minced
- 1 fresh green chilli — finely chopped (optional, adjust heat to taste)
- #Tomatoes & Seasoning;
- 400 g ripe tomatoes — diced (fresh or canned)
- 1 tsp cane sugar — to enhance sweetness and balance acidity
- ½ tsp fine sea salt — adjust to taste.. ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavour)
- Fresh coriander or parsley — chopped, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- 1
Caramelise onions: Heat oil in a medium pot or deep pan over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are very soft, translucent, and just beginning to caramelise and turn golden brown. This slow cooking develops their natural sweetness.
- 2
Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and chopped green chilli (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomato paste (if using) and stir for another minute to deepen its flavour.
- 3
Simmer the tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 4
Cook until rich: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down, and the sauce is thick and rich. The flavours should be well blended and the onions very tender.
- 5
Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in fresh coriander or parsley. Serve warm as a relish or side dish with pap, rice, bread, or grilled vegetables.