Harissa-Spiced Aubergine and Tomato Salad
Harissa-Spiced Aubergine and Tomato Salad is a richly flavored Moroccan dish that beautifully combines the smokiness of roasted aubergines with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and pungent garlic. This salad, also known as Zaalouk, celebrates the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine and is perfect as a mezze or side dish. Preparing it a little in advance allows the flavors to meld, creating a harmonious taste experience. If harissa is unavailable, a blend of paprika and cayenne can provide a comparable heat. This dish is best served at room temperature, making it ideal for gatherings or picnics.
6
Servings
90
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Aubergines
1.5 lbs (peeled and cubed)
Garlic cloves
5 (peeled)
Salt
to taste
Beef tomatoes
3 large (peeled and chopped)
Olive oil
4 tablespoons
Wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
Harissa
1 teaspoon
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon
Flat leaf parsley
1 bunch (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the peeled and cubed aubergines along with the peeled garlic cloves. Boil for approximately 30 minutes, or until the aubergines are very soft.
2
Once cooked, drain the mixture in a colander. Using a fork, mash the aubergines and garlic together, ensuring to press out any excess water.
3
Return the pot to the stove and add the chopped tomatoes. Cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have reduced and thickened into a sauce.
4
Remove the pot from heat and combine the tomato sauce with the mashed aubergines and garlic mixture. Stir in the olive oil, wine vinegar, harissa, ground cumin, and chopped parsley until well combined.
5
Season the salad with salt to taste and let it cool to room temperature before serving. Allowing it to rest develops the flavors further.
Nutrition Information
5.7g
Fat
7.3g
Carbs
1.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harissa-Spiced Aubergine and Tomato Salad?
It is a richly flavored Moroccan dish, also known as Zaalouk, that combines roasted aubergines with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and spices.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The dish features a combination of smoky roasted aubergines, sweet ripe tomatoes, and pungent garlic.
What cuisine does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is a traditional part of Moroccan cuisine.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains only plant-based ingredients.
Is this salad also vegan?
Yes, all ingredients listed including aubergine, tomatoes, and olive oil are vegan-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 90 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 5.7g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of this salad?
Each serving contains 1.3g of protein.
What can I use as a substitute for harissa?
If harissa is unavailable, you can use a blend of paprika and cayenne pepper to provide a similar heat.
How long should the aubergines be boiled?
The aubergines and garlic should be boiled for approximately 30 minutes until very soft.
What is the preparation method for the aubergines?
The aubergines should be peeled and cubed before boiling.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The beef tomatoes should be peeled and chopped.
How long do the tomatoes need to cook?
The chopped tomatoes should be cooked on low heat for about 20 minutes until they reduce and thicken.
What should be done after boiling the aubergines?
They should be drained and mashed with garlic, ensuring any excess water is pressed out.
What temperature should the salad be served at?
This dish is best served at room temperature.
Why is it recommended to prepare the salad in advance?
Preparing it in advance and letting it rest allows the flavors to meld and develop more fully.
Is this dish suitable for picnics?
Yes, because it is best served at room temperature, it is ideal for gatherings or picnics.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of wine vinegar.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 5 peeled garlic cloves.
What type of tomatoes are recommended?
The recipe specifies using 3 large beef tomatoes.
What kind of parsley should be used?
One bunch of chopped flat leaf parsley is required.
How much cumin is added to the salad?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, the addition of harissa makes this a spicy salad.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it is excellent as a side dish or as part of a mezze spread.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and consists of fresh vegetables and olive oil.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include moroccan, salad, aubergine, spicy, harissa, vegetarian, mezze, healthy, and mediterranean.