Description
Zaalouk is a flavorful Moroccan eggplant appetizer, featuring tender roasted or cooked eggplant combined with fresh tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and spices. This smoky, savory dish is perfect served warm or cold with pita or bread, making it an ideal starter or snack with bold and aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 lbs eggplant peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium tomatoes peeled and chopped
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp cilantro chopped
Spices and Oils
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp cayenne powder
Other
- 1 lemon (2-3 tbsp juice)
- 1/3 cup water (for cooking)
Instructions
- Heat Oil: In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat to create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Add the chopped eggplant, tomatoes, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, cayenne, and water. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Cook: Cover the skillet and cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes until the eggplant and tomatoes are tender and soft enough to mash, stirring occasionally.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice and cook uncovered over low heat to reduce excess liquid, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and scorching.
- Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: When the mixture reaches your desired thickness, taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
- Serve: Serve warm or cold, garnished with additional herbs or lemon if desired, alongside pita or bread of choice.
Notes
- If desired, pre-cook the eggplant by boiling, grilling, or roasting, then drain and remove seeds before adding to the dish.
- Use fresh tomatoes for the best flavor; avoid canned tomatoes as their acidity can alter the taste.
- Adjust water amount if necessary to control consistency during cooking.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
