Zaalouk (berber-style Grilled Eggplant)
Zaalouk is a traditional Berber dish made with grilled eggplant, tomatoes, and a blend of flavorful spices. This smoky and savory side dish is a staple in Berber cuisine and is perfect for serving with bread or couscous.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Prick the eggplants with a fork and grill them, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the grill and let cool.
- Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, peel off the charred skin and chop the flesh.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce.
- Add the chopped grilled eggplant to the pan and stir to combine with the tomato mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 15 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 30 minutes
- Total time:
- 45 minutes
- Cooking method
- Stovetop
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 120 per serving
- Carbohydrates
- 15g
- Protein
- 3g
- Fat
- 6g
Supplies
Grill Pan Knife Cutting board
Tools
Fork Spatula Measuring spoons
Serving suggestions
Serve the zaalouk with warm bread or alongside a main dish such as grilled chicken or lamb tagine.
Tips & tricks
For a smokier flavor, you can also roast the eggplants directly over an open flame on a gas stovetop instead of grilling them.
Cost
$8