Zaalouk
Moroccan Smoky Eggplant and Tomato Salad
A quintessential Moroccan mezze, Zaalouk is a deeply flavorful and smoky salad made from tender eggplant and ripe tomatoes, slow-cooked with aromatic spices. It's perfect served at room temperature or chilled with crusty bread for dipping.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 large (about 1.5 lbs / 700g total) Eggplant
- 4 medium (about 1 lb / 450g) Ripe Tomatoes
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Sweet Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper(optional, for a touch of heat)
- 60 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil(plus more for cooking and drizzling)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the eggplant for smoking: Preheat your broiler to high (or grill to medium-high heat). Place the pricked eggplants on a baking sheet lined with foil (for broiler) or directly on the grill grates. Roast or grill, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and blackened all over, and the eggplant has collapsed and feels very soft, about 20-30 minutes. The flesh should be completely tender.
⏱️ 20-30 minutes - 2
Cool and scoop the eggplant flesh: Carefully remove the charred eggplants from the heat and let them cool slightly until they are safe to handle. Once cool enough, slice them open and scoop out the soft, smoky flesh into a bowl, discarding the charred skin. Roughly chop the eggplant flesh. You want a slightly chunky texture, not a purée.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Sauté aromatics and tomatoes: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Add the chopped tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices.
⏱️ 6-8 minutes - 4
Combine and simmer: Add the chopped eggplant flesh to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Stir everything together to combine. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the eggplant to soften further.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 5
Thicken and finish: Remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to medium-low. Continue to cook, stirring more frequently, for another 5-10 minutes, or until most of the excess liquid has evaporated and the Zaalouk has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be moist but not watery. Stir in the 60ml of extra virgin olive oil and the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes - 6
Serve: Transfer the Zaalouk to a serving dish. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled with warm crusty bread, pita, or challah for scooping.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best smoky flavor, charring the eggplant skin well is key. Don't be afraid of some blackening.
- ✓The final consistency should be like a thick dip or spread, not a watery sauce. Cook uncovered in the final stage to reduce excess moisture.
- ✓Zaalouk is excellent served at room temperature or chilled, making it ideal for make-ahead meals and gatherings.
- ✓Ensure your tomatoes are ripe and juicy for the best flavor base.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped preserved lemon rind during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a bright, salty tang.
- Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier Zaalouk.
- Some recipes include a pinch of caraway seeds for an additional layer of flavor.