Go Back
+ servings
Overhead shot of moroccan eggplant salad served with bread.
Print

Moroccan Zaalouk Recipe

Zaalouk is a delicious, smoky eggplant dip made with fresh ingredients such as roasted eggplants, tomatoes and olive oil. It's great as a dip for crusty bread or perfect as a side salad.
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snacks
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 140kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Tray
  • Skillet

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2-3 large fresh tomatoes pureed in the blender
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • 5-6 garlic cloves roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder

Instructions

Roast the Eggplants:

  • Line a baking sheet with foil, and grease it with a little bit of oil. Preheat the oven to 200 c.
  • Trim the eggplants and slice into half lengthwise. Place skin side up on to the baking tray, and roast for about 30 minutes. Remove from oven, and let the eggplants come to room temperature. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and place on the side. Discard the skin.

Prepare the Tomato Base:

  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet.
  • Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, coriander, and spices and cook for 10 minutes or until the tomatoes have achieved a jammy consistency.
  • Now add the roasted eggplant flesh, and cook for about 10 minutes until all of the ingredients have combined well.
  • Transfer to a bowl and serve with bread or pita.

Notes

  • Tomatoes: Traditionally recipes call for chopped tomatoes, but I find that pureed tomatoes cook down faster.
  • Tomato paste: Not used in the original recipe, I find tomato paste adds additional flavor and a beautiful color to the dip.
  • Storage: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 603mg | Potassium: 722mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 854IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg