Dakkous — also known as Daqoos or Daqqus — is a beloved Arabic tomato sauce enjoyed across the Gulf, especially in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, and Yemen. It’s the essential condiment that brings life, freshness, and a spicy kick to classic rice dishes like Mandi, & Kabsa (Machboos).
My love for this sauce began during my time in the Middle East, where every family gathering, restaurant meal, and homemade feast included a small bowl of bright red Dakous on the side. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and simple spices, this 5-minute sauce elevates any Arabic meal — and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s so iconic.
Whether you're planning a special dinner or want to recreate a full Arabic feast at home, this quick Dakous recipe is the perfect finishing touch.
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What is Dakkous (Daqoos)?
Dakous is a traditional Gulf-style tomato sauce made with blended tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and mild spices. Think of it as an Arabic salsa — fresh, tangy, slightly spicy, and incredibly aromatic.
You’ll find it served with:
- Mandi
- Kabsa / Machboos
- Madhbi
- Roast chicken
- Grilled meats
- Rice pilafs
Every region has its own version — some smooth, some chunky, some spicy. But the soul of Dakous is always the same: tomatoes + garlic + olive oil.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✔ Ready in just 5 minutes
✔ Uses simple pantry ingredients
✔ Pairs perfectly with all Arabic rice dishes
✔ Fresh, healthy, and naturally vegan
✔ Tastes just like restaurant-style Dakous
Here I made the traditional dakous recipe, which is simple and quick, taking no more than 10 minutes to prepare fully. If you're cooking Arabic rice, you can make it in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The pouring of dakous sauce over the rice creates a wonderful flavor. If you haven't tried it yet, I encourage you to do so; you'll enjoy the taste. Occasionally, I serve it alongside biryani, as I believe they complement each other perfectly.
Ingredients
Fresh Tomatoes – Use ripe, red, juicy tomatoes for the best color and flavor. Roma and Plum tomatoes are best!
Tomato Paste - Will add a bold flavor and rich texture.
Garlic – The key flavor; use fresh cloves for a strong aroma.
Olive Oil – Adds richness and balances acidity.
Smoked Paprika – Adjust to your spice preference. For extra spice kick, add Cayenne or chili flakes
Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasoning for an authentic taste.
Brown Sugar – It will act as a taste enhancer.
Lemon Juice – For brightness and tang.
Water – To adjust thickness & balance consistency
Optional: cumin powder, coriander powder, or tomato paste (for deeper red color).
💚 Daqoos isn’t just a salsa — it’s the ❤️ heart of every arabic rice meal!
How to Make Daqoos
Here is the step-by-step preparation of Daqoos (dakkous) at home. It's simple and easy salsa that goes with several middle eastern food recipes.
1. Combine tomatoes, salt, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth, or leave it a bit chunky if you enjoy the traditional Gulf texture.
3. In a skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the grated garlic until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Once the garlic begins to change color, incorporate the blended tomatoes into the skillet and stir well over high heat. Allow it to cook for a minute, until the tomato paste begins to thicken.
5. Add tomato paste into the sauce and stir it thoroughly. The tomato paste will enhance the vibrant red color and the rich texture of this salsa.
6. Season with salt, paprika, and black pepper, then mix everything well.
Tip for a Spicy Kick: include red chili flakes or cayenne peppers.
7. Add brown sugar to enhance the taste of salsa.
8. Adjust the sauce consistency or modify its thickness by adding water. If the sauce is overly thick, incorporate a small amount of water and let it simmer for a few minutes to achieve the desired texture. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, allow the water to evaporate and cook it on high heat.
9. The classic dakkous salsa is now prepared and ready to accompany your preferred rice or meat meals. You can enjoy it either hot or cold, depending on your taste preference.
Pro Tips
- Roma or plum tomatoes are good to make sauce or salsa due to meaty texture. Here you can check the best tomatoes for sauce.
- Garlic contributes a robust, pungent flavor and a strong garlicky taste that complements the sauce beautifully.
- Paprika is used to introduce a tangy flavor. If you prefer not to use it, feel free to omit it.
- Brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce, creating a delightful sweet and sour balance with the seasoning.
- Be careful not to simmer for too long, as this can diminish the salsa's flavor.
- For a spicy twist, add red chili flakes or a small green chili.
- Finish with a garnish of parsley!
Flavor Variations
- 🍅 Kuwaiti Dakous: Thinner, tangier, and often served completely blended.
- 🔥 Saudi Daqoos: Spicier with added red chili and sometimes cumin.
- 🧄 Yemeni Style: More garlic-heavy, sometimes mixed with hulba (fenugreek foam).
- 🫒 Chunky Arabic Salsa: Blend less — keep small tomato chunks for a rustic texture.
Serving Idea
In Arabic food recipes, salsa makes a perfect combination with Arabic rice. Dakous sauce or salsa is also famous as Kabsa sauce. You can also serve the sauce with Mandi, Kabsa, Maqluba, Madfoon, Madhbi, and other rice recipes.
How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight glass jar for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Pour into ice cube trays or small containers.
Freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, or enjoy it cold (many people prefer it chilled!).
Faqs
It’s similar but not the same — Dakous is smoother and flavored with garlic and olive oil, giving it a unique Middle Eastern taste.
Yes! Many Gulf families serve it raw. Cooking is optional and adds depth.
Fresh tomatoes taste best, but canned can be used in winter months.
Your tomatoes might be too juicy. Simmer longer or add 1 teaspoon tomato paste.
Daqoos can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on the style and the dish you're serving it with:
Hot (Cooked) Daqoos: Simmered on the stove for a richer, thicker texture. Commonly served warm with Kabsa, Mandi, Machboos, and other Arabian rice dishes.
Cold (Raw) Daqoos: Made by blending fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, onion, and cilantro. Served chilled or at room temperature—similar to a light, refreshing salsa.
🥣 Do you love Daqoos with Kabsa or Mandi?
⭐ Rate this recipe below
💬 Drop your questions in the comments
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Dakous (Daqoos Recipe) - Arabic Tomato Sauce For Mandi
Ingredients
- 2 tomatoes large pulpy roma tomatoes
- 2 teaspoon tomato paste For rich texture
- 3 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon olive oil add signature flavor of sauce
- ⅓ Salt
- ⅓ Paprika
- ⅓ Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
Instructions
Blend Tomatoes
- Peel the tomatoes and cut into cubes.
- Add cubes into blender with 2 garlic cloves.
- Blend to make a thick paste. You can make it a bit chunky if you enjoy the traditional Gulf texture.
Sauté Aromatics
- In a skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the grated garlic until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
- Once the garlic begins to change color, incorporate the blended tomatoes into the skillet and stir well over high heat. Allow it to cook for a minute, until the tomato paste begins to thicken.
- Add tomato paste into the sauce and stir it thoroughly. The tomato paste will enhance the vibrant red color and the rich texture of this salsa.
Seasoning
- Season with salt, paprika, and black pepper, then mix everything well.For a Spicy Kick: include red chili flakes or cayenne peppers as per your taste.
- Add brown sugar and give it a good mix to medium heat to cook all the ingredients together.
Adjust Consistency
- Adjust the sauce consistency or modify its thickness by adding water. If the sauce is overly thick, incorporate a small amount of water and let it simmer for a few minutes to achieve the desired texture. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, allow the water to evaporate and cook it on high heat.
Serve & Enjoy
- Dakkous salsa is now prepared and ready to accompany with your preferred rice or meat meals. You can enjoy it either hot or cold, depending on your taste preference.
Notes
- Use vine-ripened or roma tomatoes for rich flavor.
- If you want a deep red color, add 1 teaspoon tomato paste while simmering.
- For a spicy version, add ½ teaspoon red chili powder/flakes or a small green chili.
- Don’t skip the olive oil — it's essential for authentic taste.
- For thicker Dakous, simmer the sauce for an extra 3–4 minutes.
Pvfei
Its so nice but i add chili paste fresh, chopped green capsicum and tamarind sauce to be much more tastier. I love it!
Hinz
Yes, it could be the great addition.. There are variety of addons that can add according to taste.. It's an standard recipe that can be diversify as per the taste...
Hinz
Authentic Dakous recipe prepared with fresh tomatoes. Must try with Kabsa rice!
Ayesha
Is it important to add brown sugar?? Will it be sweet??
Hinz
You can skip if you want! Sugar is basically used as taste enhancing agent.