Description
A flavorful roasted eggplant salad with North African spices, fresh herbs, and a creamy tahini drizzle. This smoky and slightly spicy dish is perfect as a side or a light main.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large globe eggplants
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (optional)
- 1/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or slivered almonds
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut eggplants in half lengthwise and score the flesh.
- Drizzle cut sides with olive oil and season with cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Place eggplants cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 30-35 minutes, until very soft and caramelized.
- Let cool slightly, then scoop flesh into a bowl and mash or chop.
- In a large bowl, combine roasted eggplant, red onion, parsley, mint, lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, and pomegranate molasses.
- Toss gently to combine and adjust seasoning.
- Add chopped nuts just before serving.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in cold water until smooth and pourable.
- Spoon eggplant salad onto a platter.
- Drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, paprika, and extra nuts if desired.
Notes
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
- Pairs well with grilled lamb chops, chermoula fish, or spiced chicken tagine.
- Can be served with Moroccan couscous salad, vegan Moroccan carrot salad, or bulgur salad.
- Use as a dip or topping with pita or flatbread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: Roasted Eggplant Moroccan Salad, Za'alouk, Moroccan eggplant salad, spiced roasted eggplant, tahini drizzle, easy zaalouk recipe, roasted aubergine