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Zaalouk topped with parsley and olive oil and served with fresh bread or pita.

Zaalouk

Tressa Jamil
A few simple ingredients are all you need to make zaalouk, a simple Moroccan-style cooked salad made from roasted eggplant, fresh tomato, and warm spices. 
5 from 4 votes
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine African
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 156 kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
  
  • 2 large eggplants, skins peeled, and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 large tomatoes, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, fresh
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus more to garnish
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges, optional
Instructions
 
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Then, prepare the eggplants and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place the eggplant onto it; bake for 20 minutes.
  • While the eggplant is baking, warm 2 tablespoons of oil in a saute pan. Add tomatoes, garlic, parsley, and spices; simmer over low-medium heat for 10 minutes.
  • Next, add the cooked eggplant and simmer for another 10 minutes.
  • Use a potato masher or immersion blender to break up the mixture.
  • Garnish with olive oil and lemon wedges, and serve with vegetables or warm bread.
Notes
Expert Tips:
  • For best results, use fresh eggplant and tomato.
  • Roasting the eggplant is optional, but roasting them adds a delicious smoky flavor. Other recipes prefer to grill the eggplant for the same reason. I peel and cut the eggplants, but you can also cut them in half and roast them that way before adding them to the mixture.
  • If you're feeding a crowd or need to reduce the serving size, I recommend using a ratio of 1-2 tomatoes to one medium eggplant.
  • Serve zaalouk chunky or smooth! An immersion blender helps to create a smooth puree, and if you enjoy a more rustic consistency, similar to caponata or ratatouille, use a potato masher. 
Nutrition Disclosure:
  • The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 156 kcal | Carbohydrates: 16 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Sodium: 398 mg | Fiber: 7 g | Sugar: 9 g
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and follow @thejamilghar or tag #thejamilghar on Instagram!