Discover how to make Zaalouk, a flavorful Moroccan cooked salad featuring eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic spices. This versatile dish can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Follow our easy recipe to bring this delicious and authentic Moroccan salad to your table.

Ingredients:

- 2 large eggplants, peeled and diced

- 4 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

- Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Eggplant: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced eggplant and cook until tender and golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Remove the eggplant from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Tomatoes and Onion: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and ground turmeric. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.

Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they break down and form a thick sauce, about 10 minutes. 

Mix Eggplant and Tomato Sauce: Return the cooked eggplant to the skillet and stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve Zaalouk warm or cold, as a side dish or appetizer.

Enjoy your homemade Zaalouk as a delightful Moroccan treat!

Nutritional Values

Here’s the nutritional information and benefits for the ingredients used in this dish:

2 large eggplants, peeled and diced

 - Calories: Approximately 80 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 20g

 - Sugars: 10g

 - Protein: 2g

 - Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:

 - Rich in fiber, vitamins B1 and B6, and antioxidants like nasunin, which is found in the skin. Supports heart health and digestion.

4 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped

 - Calories: Approximately 80 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 18g

 - Sugars: 12g

 - Protein: 4g

 - Fat: 0.8g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene. Supports immune function and skin health.

4 cloves garlic, minced

 - Calories: Approximately 27 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

1 onion, finely chopped

 - Calories: Approximately 45 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Sugars: 5g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and B6. Supports heart health and has anti-inflammatory effects.

1/4 cup olive oil

 - Calories: Approximately 480 kcal

 - Fat: 54g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Supports heart health and reduces inflammation.

1 teaspoon ground cumin

 - Calories: Approximately 8 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.4g

 - Fat: 0.4g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and provides antioxidants and vitamins. Aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

 - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Adds smoky flavor and provides antioxidants, including vitamin A.

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

 - Calories: Approximately 3 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.15g

 - Fat: 0.15g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and has digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.

1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

 - Calories: Approximately 2 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Salt and pepper to taste

 - Calories: Negligible

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

 - Calories: Approximately 1 kcal per tablespoon

 - Carbohydrates: 0.3g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds fresh flavor and provides vitamins A, C, and K. Has antioxidant properties.

Lemon juice (optional)

 - Calories: Approximately 4 kcal per tablespoon

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds tangy flavor and vitamin C. Supports immune function and enhances absorption of iron from plant-based foods.