Zaalouk Rice Bowl

Zaalouk Rice Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful Moroccan dish featuring a savory mix of roasted eggplant and tomatoes served over a bed of fluffy rice. This vegan delight is seasoned with aromatic spices, making it a comforting and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 250 grams)
• Tomatoes - 2 medium (about 300 grams)
• Garlic - 3 cloves
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Water - 400 milliliters

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 20 minutes, then drain.
2. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Cut the eggplant into small cubes, and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast for 20 minutes until tender and golden.
3. While the eggplant is roasting, dice the tomatoes and mince the garlic. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
4. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the tomatoes break down and form a sauce, about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the roasted eggplant and lemon juice, mixing well. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. In a separate pot, bring 400 milliliters of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
7. To serve, place a generous portion of rice in a bowl, top with the zaalouk mixture, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and eggplant, which can help reduce inflammation.
• High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.

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