Recipe

Zaalouk (Moroccan Eggplant Tomato Salad)

By: 

Co+op

Recipe Information

Total Time: 

45 minutes; 25 minutes active

Servings: 

6

Versatile zaalouk is a hearty and flavorful main dish. Serve over rice or use as a dip for vegetables and pita.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium eggplants, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 4 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced (see Tip)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted
  • 2 teaspoons harissa sauce (optional)
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste

Preparation

In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add eggplant, onion, tomatoes, garlic, parsley, spices and harissa (if using). Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, stir well, then cover and cook over medium eat for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally, gently mashing the mixture as it simmers. The dish is done when everything is well blended and resembles a chunky paste. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper before serving

Serving Suggestion

Versatile zaalouk is a hearty and flavorful main dish over rice; or a dip with chopped vegetables and pita, served warm or cold. Roasting or grilling the eggplant first gives the dish a more complex flavor (roast extra eggplant for baba ganoush). You can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if harissa is not available.

Nutritional Information

158 calories, 13 g. fat, 40 mg. cholesterol, 344 mg. sodium, 3 g. carbohydrate, 6 g. fiber, 6 g. protein