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4.8 from 15 votes

Zaalouk (Eggplant Appetizer)

Zaalouk is a traditional Moroccan eggplant dip made with tender eggplant, stewed tomatoes, and an all-star cast of herbs and spices.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 220 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Moroccan , North African

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs eggplant peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes (See Note 1)
  • 4 medium tomatoes peeled and chopped (See Note 2)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp cilantro chopped
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne powder
  • 1 lemon (2-3 tbsp juice)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, parsley, cilantro, paprika, cumin, salt, cayenne, and 1/3 cup of water. Stir to combine.
  2. Cover and cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggplant and tomatoes are soft enough to mash.
  3. Stir in lemon juice and continue cooking uncovered over low heat to reduce liquid, stirring frequently; occasionally scraping the bottom of the pan. Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid contents from scorching.
  4. When the zaalouk is reduced to desired consistency, taste, then adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve warm or cold with pita or other bread of choice.

Notes

  • If desired, boil, grill or roast eggplant first, then drain water and strain out as many seeds as possible. Add cooked eggplant pulp in step 2, after tomatoes have cooked.
  • Any variety of tomatoes will work here, but you must use fresh tomatoes. Resist any urge to use canned tomatoes, regardless of brand or quality. The high acid content in canned tomatoes will have a negative impact on the overall flavor of your eggplant appetizer." That's just my experience, but by all means, experiment and see if it is something that you like!

Nutrition Information

Calories 220kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Sodium 597mg (25%) Potassium 920mg (26%) Fiber 10g (40%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 1796IU (36%) Vitamin C 40mg (44%) Calcium 63mg (6%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 220

% Daily Value*

Calories 220kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Sodium 597mg 25%
Potassium 920mg 20%
Fiber 10g 40%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 1796IU 36%
Vitamin C 40mg 44%
Calcium 63mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.