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Marrakech (Morocco)
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Starter
Vegan
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
250kcal
3gProtein
20gCarbs
15gFat
8gFibre
300 gServing
* Per serving · 300 g. May vary.
Zaalouk
How to order / say it
Say it
زعلوك — [zah-LOOK]
Order
I'd like the zaalouk, please.
Locally
أود الزعلوك، من فضلك.
Say locally
A cooked salad with eggplant, tomatoes, and spices.
Why try it?
Zaalouk is a beloved Moroccan salad that highlights the simplicity and the depth of flavors in Marrakechi cuisine. It's a versatile dish served both warm and cold, embodying the land's rich agricultural bounty.
How it tastes
This salad offers a rich, smoky, and smooth texture from the roasted eggplants, balanced by the acidity of tomatoes and spices. It's savory with a hint of garlic and a touch of cumin, making it highly aromatic.
Origin & History — first documented: 1200
Zaalouk dates back centuries, probably originating as a necessity to preserve summer vegetables in North African hot climates. It became popular alongside bread and as a side dish for tagine over time in Morocco.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥕 500 g eggplant
- 🥕 300 g tomatoes
- 🧄 3 garlic cloves
- 🫒 2 tbsp olive oil
- 🧂 1 tsp cumin
- 🧂 1 tsp paprika
- 🌿 50 g parsley
Method
- 1 Roast eggplants until charred and tender, then peel and chop.
- 2 Cook chopped tomatoes and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- 3 Combine eggplant with the tomato mixture and spices.
- 4 Simmer until thickened, then garnish with parsley before serving.
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