• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cookilicious logo

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Podcast
  • Collaborate
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Collaborate
  • Podcast
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » International Cuisine » Moroccan Zaalouk Recipe

    Published: Jun 20, 2020 · Modified: Dec 3, 2020 by Priya * This post may contain affiliate links.

    Moroccan Zaalouk Recipe

    Recipe Print
    a bowl of Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk served with tortilla chips and text at the top
    Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk served with tortilla chips and text at the top
    a spoon resting over a bowl of Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk and text at the top
    a round bowl filled with Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk with a spoon in it and text at the top

    Zaalouk is a simple yet delicious Mediterranean vegetarian recipe, prepared with smoked eggplants and Moroccan spices. Serve it as a vegan dip, salad, or side! 

    a spoon resting over a bowl of Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk

    Table of Contents

    • Exploring the global cuisine one recipe at a time
    • Trending now
    • My first experience with this eggplant salad
    • Eggplants in a salad!
    • Ingredients needed
    • Here's how to make it
    • Serving suggestions
    • Top tips, recommendations, and suggestions
    • Some multi-cuisine recipes to try
    • Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk

    Exploring the global cuisine one recipe at a time

    I am no epicurean, however, I do like to taste and discover new cuisines along the way and not miss out on an interesting recipe whenever I see it.

    World cuisine continues to intrigue me. Be it this Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli or the Iranian Style Polenta Stir Fry, I have fully enjoyed making them all, and they are sumptuous dishes.

    Global food is so versatile, there are so many treasures hidden in every part of the world and I aim to discover at least some of them through Cookilicious. 

    Trending now

    My first experience with this eggplant salad

    Last year, we were holidaying in Miami during Christmas time. On that trip, we decided to not visit our usual restaurants but try out different world cuisines.

    So instead of going for Italian, Mexican, or Thai food, we explored Moroccan, Ethiopian, and Japanese restaurants.

    KR ordered Zaalouk at this Moroccan restaurant we were having lunch at. Since he loves eggplants, he was excited to try this stew out. 

    They served warm pita bread with this vegan dip and we ended up loving it!

    The smoked eggplants cooked in Moroccan spices was lip-smacking and KR insisted that I must share this vegan dip recipe on the blog!

    Once back home, I took my time in doing my research, trying out different versions of this Mediterranean vegetarian recipe, and then finally settling on this one. 

    a bowl of Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk served with tortilla chips

    Eggplants in a salad!

    This Mediterranean vegetarian recipe gets classified as a salad but it is not the typical raw, uncooked type.

    It's in fact a warm and creamy dish made with eggplants/brinjal/aubergines/vangi. Yes, eggplant caviars and salads are quite popular throughout the Middle East.

    Zaalouk is one of the most basic salads of Moroccan cuisine and there are a million ways of preparing it all across Morocco. The recipe varies from home to home. 

    Being a salad it's often served at the beginning of the meal or as a vegan dip but it can also accompany grilled meats or fish, kebabs, or tagines.

    Zaalouk is naturally vegan and gluten-free and can be made in 30 minutes. 

    When it comes to spices, they are mainly used to brighten up the dish and make the Mediterranean flavors stand out.

    This grilled eggplant salad is chunky, saucy, and full of flavors. Just like a ratatouille!

    Ingredients needed

    all the ingredients needed to make Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk placed on a tray with labels on them

    This smoked eggplant recipe is very similar to the Indian Baingan Bharta.

    But when cooked with Moroccan spices that have such a delicate and aromatic flavor, it makes this dish even more appetizing.

    If you are looking for a velvety eggplant salad with a hint of Moroccan aroma then you should definitely try this. 

    Eggplants - This recipe works with any eggplant variety. I have used baby eggplants this time. 

    Tomatoes - This is an eggplant and tomato salad, so tomatoes are an important ingredient here. 

    Spices - cumin seeds, smoked paprika (can also use regular paprika), and Moroccan Za'atar seasoning.

    Garlic and Herbs like cilantro or parsley

    Here's how to make it

    3 image collage showing how to smoke eggplants to make Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk

    This is a ridiculously simple recipe that's packed with flavors. 

    1 - First we need to prepare the smoked eggplants. Chop off the crown and slice them in half. Make slits on top.

    Place them face down on a baking tray. Spray some cooking oil over it.

    Word of caution - Do not spray olive oil as the boiling temperatures of olive oil is very high and will emit a lot of smoke very quickly.

    Regular cooking oil is the best for broiling. Also, read the tips section below for more information on broiling. 

    2 - Position an oven rack 6 inches from the broiling element; preheat the broiler. Cut the eggplants in half and place them cut sides down on the baking sheet.

    Broil for about 10-15 minutes or until blackened and collapsed. Remove the tray with the smoked eggplants out and let it cool slightly.

    3 - You may peel the skin or let it be. If there are too many seeds, remove as much of the seedy pulp you can and then chop them roughly. Keep it aside for now. 

    4 image collage showing the steps to make Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk

    1 - Heat oil in a pan, add minced garlic and cumin seeds. Fry for a minute.

    2 - Then add chopped tomatoes along with salt and cook till they turn soft and pulpy.

    3 - It's time to add some Moroccan spices like Za'atar seasoning and smoked paprika. 

    4 - Then add chopped cilantro and the chopped eggplants. Mix, cover the pan, and cook for 12-15 minutes or till the eggplants are cooked.

    You can also mash the veggies using a potato masher when it's nearly done. The mixture should be thick but not dry. 

    Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk served with tortilla chips

    Serving suggestions

    Once done, take it off the flame. You can serve it warm or cold. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and garnish it with some chopped pistachios before serving.

    This is a versatile dish. It can be served as a vegan dip with tortilla chips or as a side with some Gluten-Free Flatbread or warm pita bread.

    It can also be served on toasted bread slices as Bruschetta or as a spread in a sandwich/wrap. Try drizzling a bit of lemon juice for extra tang.

    Top tips, recommendations, and suggestions

    When making smoked eggplants, do not spray olive oil on them as the boiling temperatures of olive oil are very high and will emit a lot of smoke very quickly.

    Regular cooking oil is the best for broiling. The eggplants can also be roasted directly on the gas or grill to get the smoky flavor.

    You can also add chopped zucchini, courgettes, and/or red peppers along with eggplants for more flavor.

    If you like a little spice, add some Cayenne pepper to the oil along with the garlic and cumin seeds

    Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best results. They are sweeter and subtle to taste than canned tomatoes. Many traditional Zaalouk recipes don't add Za'atar seasoning.

    You can skip it if you don't have any. Use parsley instead of cilantro if needed. This Mediterranean vegetarian/vegan recipe can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. 

    If you're using a vessel that is not non-stick, make sure you keep stirring occasionally to make sure the eggplant does not stick to the bottom of the pan and become seared.

    a round bowl filled with Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk with a spoon in it

    Some multi-cuisine recipes to try

    Here are also some recipes from International cuisine that you can try.

    • Pakistani Aloo Bharta (Spiced Mashed Potatoes)
    • Vegetarian Thai Chilly Fried Rice
    • Thai Butternut Squash Curry
    • Chinese Scallion Pancake
    • Japanese Cucumber Salad

    If you love eggplants, then please do give this Bharli Vangi/Stuffed Baby Eggplants recipe a try! 

    a hand digging a tortilla chip into a bowl of Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk

    If you’ve tried this Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk recipe or any other recipe on the blog please let me know how it went by commenting below, I love hearing from you!

    You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes and what I’m getting up to.
    a spoon resting over a bowl of Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk

    Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk

    Zaalouk is a simple yet delicious Mediterranean vegetarian recipe, prepared with smoked eggplants and Moroccan spices. Serve it as a vegan dip, salad, or side! 
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dip, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mediterranean, Moroccan
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 123.59kcal
    Author: Priya Lakshminarayan

    Equipment

    Oven
    skillet

    Ingredients 

    To grill eggplants

    • 3 baby eggplants
    • vegetable oil cooking spray

    To prepare Zaalouk

    • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 tsp cumin seeds
    • 3 tomatoes chopped
    • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
    • 1 tbsp Za'atar seasoning optional
    • 1/3 cup cilantro chopped
    • Salt

    For garnish

    • olive oil
    • 2 tbsp pistachios chopped

    Instructions

    To grill eggplants

    • First we need to prepare the smoked eggplants. Chop off the crown and slice them in half. Make slits on top. Place them face down on a baking tray. Spray some cooking oil over it.
    • Position an oven rack 6 inches from the broiling element; preheat the broiler. Cut the eggplants in half and place them cut sides down on the baking sheet. Broil for about 10-15 minutes or until blackened and collapsed. Remove the tray with the smoked eggplants out and let it cool slightly.
    • You may peel the skin or let it be. If there are too many seeds, remove as much of the seedy pulp you can and then chop them roughly. Keep it aside for now.

    To prepare Zaalouk

    • Heat oil in a pan, add minced garlic and cumin seeds. Fry for a minute.
    • Then add chopped tomatoes along with salt and cook till they turn soft and pulpy.
    • It's time to add some Moroccan spices like Za'atar seasoning and smoked paprika.
    • Then add chopped cilantro and the chopped eggplants. Mix, cover the pan, and cook for 12-15 minutes or till the eggplants are cooked. You can also mash the veggies using a potato masher when its nearly done. The mixture should be thick but not dry.

    For garnish

    • Once done, take it off the flame. You can serve it warm or cold. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and garnish it with some chopped pistachios before serving.

    Notes

    When making smoked eggplants, do not spray olive oil on them as the boiling temperatures of olive oil are very high and will emit a lot of smoke very quickly. Regular cooking oil is the best for broiling.
    The eggplants can also be roasted directly on the gas or grill to get the smoky flavor. You can also add chopped zucchini, courgettes, and/or red peppers along with eggplants for more flavor. Use parsley instead of cilantro if needed.
    Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best results. They are sweeter and subtle to taste than canned tomatoes. Many traditional Zaalouk recipes don't add Za'atar seasoning. You can skip it if you don't have any. 
    This Mediterranean vegetarian/vegan recipe can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 123.59kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.45g | Protein: 3.88g | Fat: 6.01g | Saturated Fat: 3.11g | Sodium: 11.79mg | Potassium: 706.54mg | Fiber: 7.62g | Sugar: 8.95g | Vitamin A: 1812.91IU | Vitamin C: 18.37mg | Calcium: 61.64mg | Iron: 2.79mg
    Tried this Recipe? Share your creation by tagging me on Instagram @Cookilicious using #cookiliciousveg!
    Love watching recipe videos?Subscribe to my Cookilicious YouTube channel now to get your weekly recipe fix - Youtube

    Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. For more information on my Affiliate and Advertising Policy, please click here.

    « Indian Curry Pasta Recipe
    Fried Raw Banana Vegan Chips »
    1186 shares
    GIFT FOR YOU

    Free Vegan Beginner's Guide

    Tips, recipes & secrets to transform your lifestyle.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bianca Zeigler says

      May 17, 2021 at 11:59 am

      5 stars
      This is now a staple dinner for my family. They all love it and it’s just so simple and healthy. Highly recommend trying!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        May 17, 2021 at 12:16 pm

        Thank you so much Bianca! So glad you enjoy this recipe. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Beth says

      June 22, 2020 at 2:02 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious! My family will love this! So excited to make this!

      Reply
    3. Amy says

      June 22, 2020 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      Wow this looks like my dream recipe!

      Reply
    4. Colleen says

      June 22, 2020 at 1:51 pm

      5 stars
      I have eggplants in my garden and when they can be harvested, I am making this recipe for sure. It looks so flavorful!

      Reply
    5. Pam says

      June 22, 2020 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      You had me at smoked eggplant and Moroccan spices! Lovely photos, by the way!

      Reply
    6. Danielle Wolter says

      June 22, 2020 at 7:02 am

      5 stars
      I am drooling over the photos of this! What a great combo of flavors - this sounds so incredible. I can't wait to make it!

      Reply
    7. Charla says

      June 22, 2020 at 3:38 am

      5 stars
      I'm a huge fan of egg plant recipes with baigan choka being my favourite. This very much reminds me of baigan choka (baba ghanoush) so will try this for sure!

      Reply
    8. Anjali says

      June 21, 2020 at 7:09 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious and full of flavor! I'm not that familiar with cooking eggplant but your recipe has inspired me to give it a try!

      Reply
    9. Jere Cassidy says

      June 21, 2020 at 7:06 pm

      5 stars
      So glad to find this recipe. I am wanting to start using eggplant and really not sure the best way to cook it. I like as a dip and something different than hummus.

      Reply
    10. Traci says

      June 20, 2020 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is outstanding! So much flavor and so easy to prepare. Thanks for sharing another great one!

      Reply
    11. Anita says

      June 20, 2020 at 5:01 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great way to prepare eggplants and they are in season too. 🙂

      Reply
    12. Kristin says

      June 20, 2020 at 3:19 pm

      5 stars
      I have never smoked eggplant before but your directions made it easy. This recipe is so delicious! Everyone loved it. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    13. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

      June 20, 2020 at 2:48 pm

      5 stars
      I made your recipe for a gathering the other day and everyone kept asking for the recipe. It was totally a hit!

      Reply
    14. Jamie says

      June 20, 2020 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      I usually don't like eggplant but this recipe was a keeper! The eggplant soaked up all flavors and spices and everyone loved it! We'll be making this again soon.

      Reply
    15. Kasey says

      November 21, 2018 at 6:08 pm

      What about the tomatoes?

      Reply
      • Priya says

        November 21, 2018 at 6:34 pm

        sorry..there was a typo..have updated the recipe.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Rate the Recipe




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    ABOUT ME

    Every recipe here tells a story that is simple, easy to follow and has a tasty soul. Come join me in my kitchen and let me take you on a gastronomical journey. Vegetarian & vegan cooking is so much fun! Read more...

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    GIFT FOR YOU

    Free Vegan Beginner's Guide

    Tips, recipes & secrets to transform your lifestyle.

    SEARCH A RECIPE OR INGREDIENT

    Featured On

    Get my Cookbook

    We are on YouTube!

    Summer Fun!

    Vegan Paella served in a pan

    Vegan Paella Recipe

    a hand digging into a bowl of Vegan Beetroot Peanuts Raita with a spoon

    Vegan Beetroot Peanuts Raita

    Vegan Mushroom Spinach Pasta Salad served in a platter with a spoon in it

    Vegan Mushroom Spinach Pasta Salad

    3 Vegan Corn Tostadas served on a wooden platter

    Vegan Corn Tostadas

    one big bowl of Vegan Teff Kheer Porridge with a small bowl of the same on the side

    Vegan Teff Kheer Porridge

    a bowl filled with Veg Hakka Noodles and a fork in it

    Veg Hakka Noodles

    TRENDING NOW

    3 glasses of Thandai Milkshake served next to a bowl of colors and rose buds

    Thandai Milkshake | Dry Fruit Milkshake

    a hand brushing Tomato Cheddar Scones with butter

    Tomato Cheddar Scones

    Dal Tadka served in a brass bucket with a spoon in it

    Dal Tadka in Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Mexican Rice served in a rectangular tray

    Instant Pot Mexican Rice

    Avial served in a bowl with 3 spoons in it

    Avial Recipe | South Indian Mixed Veggie Curry

    a small round kadai filled with Aloo Matar

    Aloo Matar

    Footer

    Stay connected

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About Priya

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 Cookilicious

    1.2K shares
    • 64