Zaalouk

What it is

Zaalouk, also spelt zaâlouk or zaâlouka, is a cooked salad of aubergines and tomatoes.¹ It belongs to the traditional cuisine of the Maghreb.²

The Moroccan Arabic dictionary of Harrell, Fox and Abu-Talib lists zaʕluk, plural zʕalek, as a purée of aubergines or of carrots; the name thus stands for the way of preparation, not for the aubergine alone.³

What it is made of

The basic ingredients are aubergines, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, spices and herbs, namely coriander or parsley; peppers can be added.⁴ The spices named are cumin, paprika and chilli.⁵

How it is made

The aubergines and tomatoes are grilled or cooked in olive oil, then mashed and finely chopped and stewed in olive oil with garlic, herbs and spices.⁶ In another version the aubergines are fried in slices and added to a reduced sauce of tomatoes, garlic, oil and spices, with coriander and parsley going in at the end.⁷

How it is cooked

When

Zaalouk is usually eaten as a starter with bread, and also as a side dish with meat or fish, cold, lukewarm or warm.⁸