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A serving of zaalouk, garnished with coriander, and served with classic Moroccan bread.
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Zaalouk Recipe (Moroccan Eggplant Salad)

Zaalouk is a flavor-packed Moroccan Eggplant Salad that's excellent as an appetizer or side dish! Mashed eggplants cooked with tomatoes and seasoned with warm, aromatic spices.  Top with fresh cilantro for that hint of freshness, and you'll surely ask for seconds!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Moroccan
Servings: 4
Calories: 227kcal
Author: Neriz

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium eggplants, chopped no bigger than 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
  • 1 & 1/4 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 to 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • salt, to season

Instructions

  • Place a pan over medium heat, then add oil.
  • Once the oil is ready, saute garlic until it becomes fragrant.
  • Add cumin, paprika, and cayenne, then cook for at least a minute, mixing them all the time to avoid burning them.
  • Add the eggplants and mix to coat them with the spices.
  • Add salt, lemon juice, honey, and crushed tomatoes.
  • Mix everything, cover with a lid, and adjust the heat to medium-low.
  • Simmer for forty to forty-five minutes or until the eggplants are soft --- mix occasionally to make sure nothing sticks at the bottom of the pan.
  • Remove the lid and mash the eggplants.
  • Taste your Moroccan eggplant and tomato salad, then adjust the balance of flavor as you see fit --- by adding salt or lemon juice.
  • Continue cooking uncovered for eight to ten minutes or until there's no liquid left.
  • Add the coriander leaves, then mix.
  • Remove the pan of zaalouk from the heat and transfer to serving plates.
  • Garnish with more coriander --- then enjoy!

Notes

  • Cook's Tip:  Do not skip cooking the spices, but make sure you don't burn them, so adjust the heat as necessary.
  • Refer to the post for more tips and substitutions.

Nutrition

Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 779mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 582IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 2mg