Zaalouk: A North African Side Dish • Frontiers USA

Zaalouk: A North African Side Dish

Spice up your meal with the vibrance of this savory North African side dish.
September 19, 2022 By Frontiers USA
Zaalouk

When North African neighbors meet for a meal, Zaalouk, a hot salad made of tomato and eggplant, is regularly on the menu. Even those not normally a fan of eggplant often find that they enjoy the savory, spicy flavor of this unique dish.

Pair this healthy side with bread for a vegetarian taste of Morocco at your next gathering.

Zaalouk Recipe

Serves 4

  • 2 eggplants
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tomatoes (peeled, deseeded, diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon hot ground red pepper (to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ⅓ cup olive oil

Directions

Peel and chop the eggplant, then boil it with ½ teaspoon salt until it’s soft. Drain it and mash.

Combine tomatoes, garlic, remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, spices, and oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the mashed eggplant to the sauce and cook until the liquid is gone.

Drizzle with oil and serve with crusty bread.

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