If you're a fan of Mediterranean and North African flavors, you’re going to fall in love with Zaalouk — a warm, smoky Moroccan eggplant dip that bursts with the bold spices and comforting textures characteristic of Moroccan cuisine. Whether served as a mezze, a side dish, or a plant-based main, this dish is packed with flavor, tradition, and wellness.
🕌 What Is Zaalouk?
Zaalouk (also spelled Zalouk or Zalouka) is a traditional Moroccan eggplant and tomato dip made with roasted or boiled eggplant, simmered tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and bold spices like paprika, cumin, and chili. It’s typically served warm or at room temperature alongside crusty bread, flatbreads like khobz, or even with rice or grilled meats.
It’s vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, and extremely nutritious—making it an all-around crowd-pleaser.
🇲🇦 A Glimpse Into Moroccan Culinary Culture
Moroccan cuisine is a celebration of flavor, color, and heritage. Influenced by Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and Mediterranean cultures, Moroccan dishes are a harmony of spices, slow-cooked ingredients, and family traditions. Zaalouk is one of the most popular salads (salads in Morocco refer to both cold and warm vegetable dishes) served with almost every meal, especially in family gatherings or as part of a traditional Moroccan spread called a “diffa”.
It’s humble, earthy, and soul-satisfying.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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🌱 Vegan & Naturally Gluten-Free
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🥄 Perfect as a dip, spread, or side
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🫒 Healthy, low in calories, high in flavor
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🌶️ Customizable spice level
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🥖 Pairs perfectly with bread or grains
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🕰️ Meal-prep friendly (tastes better the next day!)
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of zaalouk lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Here’s what you’ll need:
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2 medium eggplants (about 500–600g)
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3 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp sweet paprika
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½ tsp chili flakes or harissa (optional)
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Salt, to taste
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Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
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Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish
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Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
🔁 Optional Add-ins:
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Smoked paprika for a deeper smoky profile
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Roasted bell peppers
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A dash of preserved lemon for a briny kick
🍆 How to Prepare Zaalouk – Step by Step
🔥 Step 1: Roast or Boil the Eggplants
You can either roast the eggplants for a smoky flavor or boil them for a lighter version.
To roast:
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Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
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Prick the eggplants and roast them whole for about 30–40 minutes until charred and soft inside.
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Once cool, scoop out the flesh and discard the skins.
To boil:
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Peel and cube the eggplants.
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Boil in salted water until very soft (about 15–20 minutes).
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Drain and mash.
Tip: Roasting yields a smokier, richer flavor while boiling is faster and milder.
🍅 Step 2: Simmer the Tomatoes
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
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Add diced tomatoes and garlic.
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Cook over medium heat until tomatoes break down and start forming a sauce (about 10 minutes).
🥘 Step 3: Add Eggplant and Spices
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Add the mashed eggplant to the tomato mixture.
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Stir in cumin, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
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Cook everything together on low-medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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The mixture should be thick, rich, and fragrant. Adjust seasoning as needed.
🍋 Step 4: Garnish and Serve
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Turn off the heat.
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Stir in lemon juice if using.
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Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley.
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Serve warm, cold, or at room temperature.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Zaalouk is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
🥖 As a Dip:
Pair it with warm Moroccan flatbread, pita, naan, or crusty baguette.
🥗 As a Side Dish:
Serve alongside tagines, couscous, grilled fish, or roast chicken.
🧆 Mezze Platter:
Include zaalouk with hummus, baba ganoush, olives, falafel, and fresh salads.
🥪 As a Spread:
Try it in sandwiches or wraps as a healthy, flavorful spread.
🧊 How to Store Zaalouk
Zaalouk actually improves in flavor as it sits!
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Can be frozen for up to 2 months, though texture may slightly change.
To serve from frozen: thaw overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop.
🩺 Health Benefits of Zaalouk
Not only is zaalouk incredibly flavorful, it’s also rich in nutrients:
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Eggplants: High in fiber and antioxidants (especially nasunin).
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Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene and vitamin C.
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Garlic: Boosts immunity and heart health.
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Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats that enhance nutrient absorption.
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Spices: Anti-inflammatory and aid digestion.
It’s a dish that’s kind to your taste buds and your body.
🌿 Variations to Try
While traditional zaalouk is already a flavor bomb, here are some fun twists:
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Zaalouk with Bell Peppers: Add charred or roasted red peppers.
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Zaalouk with Preserved Lemon: A briny, tangy Moroccan twist.
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Zaalouk with Chickpeas: Add for a heartier dip.
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Zaalouk with Harissa: For those who like a spicy kick!
📖 Zaalouk Around the Table – A Story
In Moroccan homes, cooking isn’t just a task—it’s a ritual. I remember the first time I was introduced to zaalouk at a family table in Fez. The smoky aroma filled the room before it even landed on the table. We tore pieces of warm khobz and scooped up the dip with delight. No cutlery, no rush—just shared plates and warm conversation.
It’s dishes like these that remind us food is more than sustenance—it’s memory, culture, and connection.
👩🍳 Expert Tips for the Best Zaalouk
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Choose firm, shiny eggplants: Avoid overly seedy or spongy ones.
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Peel tomatoes for smooth texture: A quick blanch and peel works wonders.
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Don’t rush the simmering: Allow time for flavors to meld and moisture to reduce.
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Use good-quality olive oil: It really enhances the richness.
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Make ahead of time: It tastes even better the next day.
🌍 FAQs About Zaalouk
Can I make zaalouk without tomatoes?
Tomatoes are essential for the authentic flavor, but you can reduce the amount or use tomato paste if needed.
Is zaalouk spicy?
Traditionally, it has a mild kick. You can adjust heat by using more or less chili.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, but fresh ripe tomatoes yield the best flavor and texture.
Is zaalouk served hot or cold?
Traditionally served warm or room temperature, but also delicious cold.
✍️ Final Thoughts
Zaalouk is a humble dish with a royal flavor profile. It embodies everything we love about Moroccan cuisine: vibrant spices, wholesome ingredients, and deep cultural roots. It’s a dish that deserves a spot on every table—be it a cozy weekday dinner or a lavish mezze spread.
Once you try zaalouk, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
📌 Save This Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Serves: 4–6