Description
Zaalouk is a traditional Moroccan warm dip made from roasted eggplants and stewed tomatoes, infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and spices. This smoky, tangy, and flavorful dish is perfect as a starter or accompaniment to bread and grilled meats, showcasing the vibrant tastes of North African cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 800 g Auberginen (eggplants)
- 500 g Tomaten (tomatoes)
- 8 Zehen Knoblauch (garlic cloves)
Herbs
- ½ Bund Petersilie (half bunch parsley)
- ½ Bund Koriander (half bunch coriander)
Others
- 6 EL Olivenöl (6 tablespoons olive oil)
- 2 EL Zitronensaft (frisch gepresst) (2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice)
- Gewürze: Salz (salt), Paprikapulver (paprika powder), Kreuzkümmel (cumin)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 220 °C (428 °F) to prepare for roasting the eggplants, ensuring a nicely charred and soft texture.
- Prepare Eggplants: Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise, score the flesh side, and insert garlic cloves into the slits. Place them with the skin side facing up on a baking sheet to roast evenly.
- Roast Eggplants: Roast the prepared eggplants in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the flesh becomes tender and smoky.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Score the tomatoes crosswise, briefly blanch them in hot water to loosen the skin, then peel and dice the flesh into small pieces.
- Cook Tomato Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan, add the diced tomatoes, fresh parsley, coriander, and spices (salt, paprika, cumin), and simmer for about 10 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- Combine Eggplants and Tomatoes: Remove roasted eggplants from the oven, scoop out the soft flesh, and mix it into the tomato sauce. Stir well and season to taste with freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness.
Notes
- For extra smokiness, you can char the eggplants directly over an open flame before roasting.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Zaalouk can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Serve with fresh crusty bread or as part of a mezze platter.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better after the flavors meld.
