Zaalouk is a Moroccan salad-dip of roasted eggplant that accompanies all tagine and Maghrebi barbecue. Its creamy texture and smoky flavor come from roasting the eggplant directly over hot coals. It is an essential vegan dish of the Moroccan table that is prepared in large quantities.
Moroccan
Moroccan eggplant zaalouk
Moroccan eggplant zaalouk from Morocco: traditional step-by-step recipe, with chef tips and clear timings.
- Morocco
- MAIN COURSES
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Light
- Low fat
- High fiber
- easy
15 min
Tiempo de Preparación
6
Servings
Nutrición por ración
- Calories 165 kcal
- Protein 3 g
- Fiber 7 g
- Carbohydrates 16 g
- Fat 10 g
- Sodium 320 mg
Story behind the dish
Preparation
Moroccan eggplant zaalouk is a Moroccan preparation with easy difficulty. Reserve about 50 minutes in total (15 for mise en place and preparation, 35 for cooking). Follow the 6 phases in order: each step indicates what to do, what to observe and, when applicable, the time or level of fire.
Before you start
- Have ready: 3 large eggplants.
- Have ready: 4 ripe tomatoes.
- Have ready: 4 cloves of minced garlic.
- Have ready: 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika.
- Have ready: 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
- Salt, oil and spices measured and within reach.
- Clean utensils, board and clear work surface.
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Roast whole eggplants in the oven or flame until tender; peel and…
Roast whole eggplants in the oven or flame until tender; peel and crumble. Preheat the oven well in advance so that the temperature is stable from the first minute.
Preheat the oven well in advance so that the temperature is stable from the first minute
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Sauté garlic in oil; add grated tomato and spices; cook 10…
Sauté garlic in oil; add grated tomato and spices; cook 10 minutes.
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Add shredded eggplant and cook over low heat for 20 minutes…
Add shredded eggplant and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring.
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Rectify salt
Adjust salt, pepper and acidity with lemon. Taste before serving: the balance between salt, acidity and fat defines the final result.
Taste before serving: the balance between salt, acidity and fat defines the final result
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Cool to room temperature; the flavor improves when it rests
Cool to room temperature; The flavor improves when it rests. Resting time is not optional: it improves texture, hydrates fibers and balances flavors.
Resting time is not optional: it improves texture, hydrates fibers and balances flavors
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Serve as a salad or dip with Moroccan bread and olives
Serve as a salad or dip with Moroccan bread and olives.
Chef's tips
- Test for salt and doneness before serving; the last adjustment makes the difference.
- Use fresh and seasonal ingredients: the quality of the product is noticeable in the final result.
Variations
- Lighter version reducing oil and salt without losing flavor.
- Version for meal prep, doubling quantities and keeping cold for 3 days.
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