The Zaalouk Challenge: Can I Recreate It from Memory? - Video

During my trips to Morocco, I tasted many versions of zaalouk — and one of them stayed with me.

In this video, I try to recreate that Moroccan eggplant dish purely from memory, focusing on flavor, balance, and feeling rather than strict rules.

This version may not be traditional, but it’s deeply inspired by what I ate and loved there.

???? The full written recipe, step-by-step instructions, and interesting facts are available on our website: https://www.foodnerdrockstar.com/recipes/moroccan-eggplant-zaalouk

???? Cook along, taste, and let me know how you would make it!

Ingredients

???? 1 medium eggplant (about 400–450 g), cut into 1–2 cm rectangles
???? 5 tbsp olive oil (divided)
???? 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
???? 2–3 ripe tomatoes, diced
???? 1 tsp ground cumin
???? 1 tsp ground coriander
???? 1 tsp paprika
✨ 1 tsp ras el hanout
???? ½ tsp sugar
???? Salt, to taste
⚫ Black pepper, to taste
???? ½ cup water
???? Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for serving)
???? Optional: harissa or fresh chili

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