Taktouka
Taktouka is a vibrant and flavorful Moroccan cooked salad made from roasted bell peppers and tomatoes, infused with garlic and aromatic spices. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a side, part of a larger salad course, or even as a dip.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 Tomatoes(Ripe, medium-sized)
- 4 Green bell peppers(Medium-sized)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced or finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin(Ground)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika(Sweet or smoked paprika)
- 60 ml Olive oil(Extra virgin recommended)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Roast the bell peppers: Place the whole green bell peppers on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are blackened and blistered. Alternatively, you can char them directly over a gas flame or under a broiler until blackened on all sides. Transfer the hot peppers to a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid for about 10-15 minutes to steam. This will make them easier to peel. Once cooled enough to handle, peel off the blackened skin, remove the stems and seeds, and roughly chop the flesh.
⏱️ 25 minutes (roasting) + 15 minutes (steaming) - 2
Prepare the tomatoes: While the peppers are steaming, score the bottom of each tomato with a shallow 'X'. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30-60 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. Once cooled, the skins should peel off easily. Chop the peeled tomatoes roughly.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Cook the base: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the chopped tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Simmer and combine: Bring the tomato mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened slightly. Add the roasted and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Stir everything together and continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken further. The consistency should be like a thick salsa or relish.
⏱️ 20-30 minutes - 5
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Taktouka can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. It is often garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (optional).
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Taktouka is traditionally served as part of a Moroccan salad course, offering a cooked counterpoint to fresh salads.
- ✓It pairs exceptionally well with eggs, especially for breakfast or brunch.
- ✓This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a side to grilled meats or fish, or as a flavorful spread with crusty bread.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili pepper along with the garlic.
- Increase the amount of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor and deeper color.