Baked Eggplant Zaalouk

Baked Eggplant Zaalouk is a flavorful Moroccan dish that beautifully combines roasted eggplants with spices, tomatoes, and herbs, creating a delightful harmony of taste and texture. This high-protein version adds a touch of chickpeas for an extra nutritional boost, making it perfect for a healthy meal.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 250g)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomatoes - 2 medium (about 300g), diced
• Chickpeas - 100g, cooked and drained
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a crisscross pattern without cutting through the skin. Brush the cut sides with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
3. Place the eggplant halves cut side down on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and the skin is slightly charred.
4. While the eggplant is roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down into a sauce.
6. Stir in the cooked chickpeas and chopped cilantro, and cook for another 5 minutes to heat through.
7. Once the eggplant is roasted, remove it from the oven and scoop out some of the flesh to create a small well. Mix the scooped eggplant flesh into the tomato and chickpea mixture.
8. Fill the eggplant halves with the chickpea mixture, drizzle with lemon juice, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Serve warm, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• High in plant-based protein from chickpeas, supporting muscle repair and growth.

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