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Zaalouk (Moroccan Eggplant Salad)

Published: July 3, 2026 Moroccan Cuisine ⏱ 35 min
Moroccan zaalouk eggplant salad served in a bowl with bread

Zaalouk is one of Morocco's most beloved salads — a smoky, richly spiced blend of eggplant and tomatoes cooked down with garlic, cumin, and paprika. Served as a dip with crusty bread or as a side dish, this vibrant salad is a staple of Moroccan mealtime.

Recipe Info

Prep Time10 min
Cook Time25 min
Total Time35 min
Servings4
DifficultyEasy
CuisineMoroccan

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1 Ingredients

2 Instructions

1

Prepare the eggplants

Pierce eggplants with a fork and grill or broil whole until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft, about 15 minutes. Alternatively, roast at 220°C (425°F) for 20 minutes.

2

Cook the base

Heat olive oil in a pan. Cook garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add grated tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.

3

Combine

Scoop out the eggplant flesh, chop roughly, and add to the tomato mixture. Cook for 5 more minutes, breaking up the eggplant with a spoon.

4

Finish and serve

Stir in cilantro, parsley, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread.

Pro Tips

  • Charring the eggplant over an open flame gives the smokiest flavour, but oven roasting works well too.
  • Zaalouk tastes even better the next day after the flavours have melded.
  • Serve as a dip with bread, or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or tagine.

Nutrition Information

Calories 120 kcal
Protein 3g
Fat 8g
Saturated Fat 1g
Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 6g
Sodium 250mg

* Nutritional values are approximate and based on per-serving calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Zaalouk keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve at room temperature for the best flavour.
Zaalouk is typically served at room temperature as a salad or dip. It can also be enjoyed warm.
Rating
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.5 (82 votes)
Stephanie Grine

About the Author

Stephanie Grine

Recipe Developer & Food Enthusiast

I am a passionate home cook who believes that great food brings people together. Every recipe on TodayFoodsMenu is developed, tested, and photographed in my home kitchen — not a professional test...

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