Zaalouk (Eggplant Appetizer) Recipe
Zaalouk is a traditional Moroccan eggplant appetizer featuring a smoky blend of roasted eggplant and tomatoes infused with garlic, paprika, cumin, and fresh herbs. This flavorful dip is cooked slowly to develop a creamy texture, perfect for serving warm or cold alongside pita bread or other breads for a delicious starter or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 lbs eggplant, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp cayenne powder
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 2–3 tbsp)
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Combine Ingredients: In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat. Add the peeled and cubed eggplant, peeled and chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped parsley and cilantro, smoked paprika, cumin, kosher salt, cayenne powder, and 1/3 cup of water. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Covered Until Soft: Cover the pan and cook the mixture over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the eggplant and tomatoes will soften significantly, becoming tender enough to mash easily.
- Add Lemon Juice and Reduce Liquid: Stir in the juice of one lemon. Continue to cook the mixture uncovered on low heat, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. This step helps to reduce excess liquid and concentrate the flavors without burning the mixture.
- Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: When the zaalouk has thickened to your preferred consistency, taste it and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. Remove from heat once the texture is creamy and flavors are well balanced.
- Serve: Serve the zaalouk warm or cold as a delicious appetizer. It pairs beautifully with pita bread or any bread of your choice for dipping.
Notes
- For easier peeling of eggplants and tomatoes, blanch them briefly in boiling water, then transfer to ice water before peeling.
- Zaalouk can be served warm or cold according to preference and is best consumed within 2-3 days if refrigerated.
- The smoky flavor can be enhanced by roasting the eggplants before peeling and chopping, if desired.
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for the best flavor.
- Adjust cayenne powder to control the heat level.
Keywords: Zaalouk, Moroccan eggplant dip, eggplant appetizer, smoky eggplant salad, North African appetizer, vegan eggplant dish
Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/zaalouk-eggplant-appetizer-recipe/
