Vegan Recipes

Moroccan Eggplant Dip

 

Vegan Moroccan Eggplant Dip is also known as the Zaalouk. It is a colorful and savory meal that embodies Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine. This recipe creates a warm, rich, and aromatic dish by combining fresh herbs and spices like cumin, paprika, and parsley with basic and fresh items like garlic, eggplant, and tomatoes. Cooking allows the eggplants to become incredibly soft and absorb the flavor of the spices and the sweet juices of the tomatoes. This dip is a low-calorie, high-fiber dip that’s rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Let’s start the recipe with the guidelines (discussed below).

STATS

  • Course: Appetizer, Dip, Spread, Side dish
  • Cuisine: Moroccan
  • Diet: Vegan, Gluten-free
  • Total Time: Forty minutes
  • Preparation Time: Ten minutes
  • Cook Time: Thirty minutes

EQUIPMENT

  • One bowl
  • A sharp knife
  • Skillet
  • Small container

INGREDIENTS

  • Olive oil 2 tbsp
  • 3 tbsp of vegan-friendly tomato paste
  • Chopped garlic cloves 5
  • Cumin 2 tsp
  • 2 tsp of smoked paprika
  • One-fourth tsp of red pepper flakes
  • Chopped tomatoes 16 ounces, approx to 3 cups
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Medium-sized and chopped eggplants 2
  • One cup of water
  • Chopped parsley 2 tbsp
  • Two tablespoons of crushed cilantro
  • Four Lemon Wedges, for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Cut sixteen ounces of tomatoes and two medium-sized eggplants into five millimeters cubes.
  2. Shift the diced eggplant and tomatoes to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Next, drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil into a nonstick skillet.
  4. Warm this oil for sixty to eighty minutes to a medium flame.
  5. After warming the oil, add red pepper flakes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and minced garlic cloves to the skillet.
  6. Cook all items for only two minutes.
  7. After that, add salt and diced tomatoes.
  8. Simmer it for five minutes.
  9. Now, add chopped eggplant to the tomato mixture.
  10. Mix all items and wrap the skillet.
  11. Now, simmer it for twenty minutes until its tender without becoming spongy.
  12. During cooking, add the water if the paste becomes dry.
  13. After that, add crushed cilantro and parsley.
  14. Now, open the skillet and gently combine all items.
  15. Check the dip and add the quantity of spices (if necessary).
  16. Before serving, the dip should ideally chill for fifteen minutes.
  17. The tasty Moroccan Eggplant Dip is ready to enjoy.
  18. Shift the dip to a small container.
  19. Serve with vegan bread or other side dish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

  • Enjoy the tasty eggplant dip with different kinds of bread such as naan bread, homemade flatbread, pita bread, no-knead focaccia, and garlic bread.
  • Serve the dip over the cooked couscous and garnish with a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of yogurt.
  • Pair it with vegan-friendly chickpea hummus, falafel, Baba Ghanoush, and tzatziki sauce.
  • Lentil tabbouleh also pairs well with the eggplant dip.
  • Serve it with the main dishes such as stuffed tomatoes, cauliflower lentil salad, stuffed bell peppers, and lentil mujadara.
  • Couscous salad accompanies well with the dip.

TIPS

  • Use good-quality olive oil. It is a significant part of the eggplant dip.
  • You can also roast or grill the eggplant to add a smoky flavor that enhances the zaalouk flavor.
  • Char the eggplant skin over a gas stove for an extra smoky texture.
  • Use fresh, red, and good-quality tomatoes.
  • Mash the eggplant and tomatoes more thoroughly for a smooth texture.
  • Opt for fresh and good-quality eggplant.

STORAGE INFORMATION

Fridge:

  • Store the leftover eggplant dip in a closed box and refrigerate it for five days. Remove the dip box in the refrigerator before consuming and mix well so all items settle.

Freezer:

  • I won’t suggest you freeze the eggplant dip. If you want to save the dip, first, allow the dip to cool down completely, then shift it to a zip-lock bag and freeze it for ninety days.

Reheating:

  • We can rewarm the eggplant dip by microwaving it for one hundred twenty seconds.

FAQs

Can I utilize different eggplant varieties?

  • Yes, you can utilize various sorts of eggplant such as globe eggplant, Japanese eggplant, or any other type you like.

Which spices are commonly used in zaalouk?

  • Common ingredients include chili flakes, paprika, and cumin, Additionally, coriander, turmeric, or ginger can be used in some recipes.

How can I add more creaminess to the dip?

  • A little additional lemon juice or olive oil can be used to thin out the dip. You can also add a tablespoon or two of hummus or vegan-friendly tahini sauce for a velvety and buttery form.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION/SERVING:

Serving amount 1 serving of dip
Total quantity 4 people servings
Total Calories 163 kcal
Carbohydrates 23 g
Protein 4 g
Dietary Fiber 9 g
Total Fat 8 g
Sugar 13 g
Iron 2 mg

Related Articles

Check Also
Close
Back to top button