Eggplant Caviar
Zaalouk, or eggplant caviar, is a starter that can be found on every Moroccan table. It's amazing with bread or pita, and can also be served as a side for grilled and crispy dishes.
Finely chop <quantity>½<unit>bunch</unit></quantity> of picked parsley
Peel and finely chop <quantity>4</quantity> garlic cloves
Add <quantity>2<unit>tbsp</unit></quantity> of olive oil to a pan over medium heat
Add the garlic and sweat it for 1m until it starts to change color
Add <quantity>1½<unit>cups</unit></quantity> of tomato pulp and stir to combine
Add salt to taste and <quantity>1<unit>tsp</unit></quantity> of sugar
Add <quantity>2<unit>tsp</unit></quantity> of sweet paprika
Add the chopped parsley and stir to combine
Add <quantity>½<unit>cup</unit></quantity> of water and stir to combine
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15m, stirring often, until the sauce is thick and silky
Add more salt to taste, if needed. The tomato sauce is ready
Trim and peel <quantity>2</quantity> eggplants in alternating stripes. Cut them into <quantity>1<unit>cm</unit></quantity> thick slices
Trim and peel <quantity>2</quantity> eggplants in alternating stripes. Cut them into medium pieces
Trim and peel <quantity>2</quantity> garlic cloves
Add hot water to a pressure cooker. Place the eggplant cubes and the garlic in a steamer insert. Pressurize the lid and steam for about 15m, until the eggplant is tender
Lay out the eggplant slices on a paper towel and sprinkle salt on both sides to taste. Let them sit for 15m to draw out moisture
Dry the eggplant slices with paper towel and dredge them in <quantity>¼<unit>cup</unit></quantity> of all-purpose flour
Add <quantity>3<unit>tbsp</unit></quantity> of vegetable oil to a frying pan over medium heat. Fry both sides of the eggplant slices until golden brown
Release the steam from the pressure cooker. Remove the eggplant and the garlic
Add <quantity>⅔<unit>cup</unit></quantity> of the tomato sauce to a saucepan. Add the steamed garlic and crush it until it is well incorporated
Add the steamed eggplant and stir to combine. Simmer over low heat for 15m, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant breaksdown
Add the fried eggplant slices in pieces. Reserve <quantity>8</quantity> slices. Add <quantity>3<unit>tsp</unit></quantity> of cumin
Add the juice of <quantity>½</quantity> a lemon
Serve <quantity>4<unit>tbsp</unit></quantity> of the eggplant caviar in a plate
Garnish with a slice of fried eggplant and coriander to taste. The eggplant caviar is ready
Enjoy it!
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