Zaalouk Moroccan

A traditional Moroccan dish of Zaalouk, consisting of crushed eggplant and tomatoes, garnished with parsley and coriander, with black olives on the side. All served on a decorative Moroccan plate.

• Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants

• 4 ripe tomatoes

• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

• Juice of half a lemon

• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro and parsley

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes or hot pepper (optional)

• Instructions:

  1- Prepare the Eggplants:

  • Peel the eggplants and cut them into medium-sized cubes.

  • Boil them in salted water for about 10-15 minutes until they become soft.

  • Once cooked, drain them well to remove excess water.

  2- Prepare the Tomatoes:

  • Wash and dice the tomatoes into small cubes.

  • If preferred, you can peel the tomatoes by dipping them in boiling water for a few seconds and then removing the skin.

  3- Cooking:

  • In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.

  • Add the diced tomatoes and stir well.

  • Let the tomatoes cook down until they form a smooth sauce, stirring occasionally.

    4- Add the Eggplant:

  • Add the boiled and drained eggplant to the tomato mixture.

  • Use a wooden spoon to mash the eggplant and tomatoes together until well combined.

  5- Seasoning:

  • Add cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. If you like it spicy, add some chili flakes or hot pepper at this stage.

  • Stir and cook the mixture for another 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.

  6- Serving:

  • Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley.

  • Serve warm as a side dish, or cold as an appetizer with fresh bread.

• Tips for Making the Best Zaalouk:

  1- Choosing Eggplants: Pick smooth-skinned, smaller eggplants for a less bitter flavor.

  2- Drain Well: After boiling the eggplant, be sure to drain the water well to avoid a watery dish.

  3- Adjust Spices: You can adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste.

  4- Serving Options: Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or some black olives for added flavor.

  5- Variations: You can add roasted bell peppers or zucchini to the mixture for a twist on the classic recipe.