Pasta Zaalouk

Pasta Zaalouk is a delightful Moroccan dish that combines the rich flavors of roasted vegetables and aromatic spices with tender pasta. This unique pasta dish is both comforting and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or penne) - 150 grams
• Eggplant - 1 medium, diced
• Tomatoes - 2 medium, chopped
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a bowl, toss the diced eggplant, chopped tomatoes, and red bell pepper with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika.
3. Spread the vegetable mixture on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. Add the roasted vegetables to the skillet and mix well with the garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Stir in the cooked pasta and lemon juice, mixing until everything is well combined and heated through.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and bell peppers, which may help reduce inflammation.
• High in dietary fiber from vegetables and pasta, promoting healthy digestion.

Tags