Mouthwatering Moroccan Eats: How to Make Zaalouk (Moroccan Eggplant Salad)

# Mouthwatering Moroccan Eats: How to Make Zaalouk (Moroccan Eggplant Salad)

## Introduction:
Embark on a culinary journey to Morocco with this flavorful recipe for Zaalouk, a traditional Moroccan eggplant salad that is bursting with exotic spices and rich flavors. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, Zaalouk will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Marrakech.

### Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants
– 3 tomatoes, diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)

### Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prick the eggplants with a fork and roast them in the oven for about 30-40 minutes until they are soft.
3. Let the eggplants cool, then peel off the skin and chop the flesh into small pieces.
4. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until they are translucent.
5. Add the garlic, tomatoes, paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes are soft.
6. Add the chopped eggplant to the pan and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
7. Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Once the flavors have melded together and the mixture has thickened, remove from heat.
9. Transfer the Zaalouk to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley.
10. Serve the Zaalouk warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges on the side.

### Cooking Tips:
– You can add a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick.
– For a smoky flavor, you can char the eggplants on a gas stove before roasting them in the oven.
– Zaalouk tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop, making it a great make-ahead dish.

### Duration:
– Preparation time: 15 minutes
– Cooking time: 1 hour
– Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

### Serving Size:
– This recipe serves 4-6 people as a side dish.

### Nutritional Information:
– Calories: 150 per serving
– Fat: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 15g
– Protein: 2g

### Difficulty Level:
– Easy

### Tags:
– Vegetarian
– Gluten-free
– Moroccan cuisine
– Eggplant

### Keywords:
– Moroccan cuisine
– Zaalouk recipe
– Eggplant salad
– Traditional Moroccan recipe
– Authentic Moroccan flavors
– Moroccan side dish
– Middle Eastern cuisine
– Healthy Mediterranean recipe
– Vegetarian salad
– Gluten-free Moroccan dish