Moroccan Zaalouk Recipe
Warm and creamy Moroccan Aubergine & Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large aubergine cut into 16 pieces or so
- 4 ripe Italian tomatoes you can use other types of tomatoes if you don't have Italian.
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1-2 cloves of garlic peeled and minced.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish : I like to serve it with some chopped cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil.
Instructions
Bring a big pot of water to boil, lower the heat to medium-high and add your diced aubergine. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the aubergines have completely cooked trough. We are not looking for al dente here, they have to be very soft. Drain, and set aside.
Cut your tomatoes in half, lengthwise. Grab a box grater and grate your tomatoes face down until the only thing your left holding is the skin. Be careful not to hurt yourself. (See notes)
Heat up a sauce pan on medium heat and add olive oil. Once your olive oil is hot, add your onions and saute for 4-5 minutes or until your onions get translucent. Then add tomato pulp & juice, tomato paste, spices, salt and pepper and garlic.
Cook your tomato sauce for 10-12 minutes with the lid on.
Add your cooked aubergine into the sauce. You will notice that the texture is chunky and still a bit watery. Remove from the heat. Grab a potato masher or even a fork and mash your aubergines until you get a smooth consistency.
Put your sauce pan back on the stove at medium-low heat and let it simmer uncovered for another 7-10 minutes or until most of the water evaporates.
Remove from the heat. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and some freshly topped cilantro. Serve with a nice hunk of bread and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
If you don’t want to grate the tomatoes, that’s totally fine. Just dice them into small cubes. However, You will have to cook them for longer.