Spicy Garlicky Tomato Dip

This was the first Libyan Jewish dish I came across and I have enjoyed it in so many different Tripolitanian friends’ homes, from Italy to Israel. I absolutely love it. Merduma is spicy and garlicky and is traditionally served at room temperature as a starter with crostini or bread, as a spread in sandwiches, or as a side dish. I also like it with couscous, and although it’s unorthodox, as a good Italian I sometimes turn leftovers into a pasta sauce, like a rich arrabbiata.