Burrata-Topped Zaalouk Toasts

Here’s a delicious way to enjoy a unique toast! Imagine biting into a golden, crispy sourdough toast topped with a smoky blend of eggplant and tomatoes, all finished with creamy burrata and a drizzle of olive oil. Sounds tempting, right? Let’s dive into how you can make this Zaalouk toast at home.

Ingredients:

• For the Zaalouk:

  • 1 eggplant
  • Olive oil and salt for seasoning
  • One 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes (San Marzano tomatoes are great if you have them)
  • 6 cloves of garlic
  • 2 teaspoons each of paprika and cumin
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
  • Salt, adjust to taste

• For the Toast and Toppings:

  • Sourdough or Tuscan style bread, sliced
  • Olive oil for grilling
  • Fresh burrata
  • Extra olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant:

   • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
   • Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise. Make small incisions in the flesh to tuck in the garlic cloves, ensuring they’re almost completely embedded.
   • Drizzle the eggplant halves with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Roast them for 30-45 minutes until they’re very soft and the flesh easily separates from the skin.

2. Make the Zaalouk:

   • Once roasted, transfer the eggplant and garlic to a saucepan. Add the crushed tomatoes and spices.
   • Mash everything together until you achieve a chunky yet somewhat smooth texture.
   • Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, then stir in the fresh parsley and season it to your liking.

3. Grill the Bread:

   • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a generous amount of olive oil.
   • Place the bread slices in the skillet and cook until they’re golden and crispy on both sides.

4. Assemble and Serve:

   • Spread a generous amount of zaalouk on each toast.
   • Add a piece of fresh burrata on top.
   • Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs, salt, and pepper.

This dish is perfect for a hearty dinner and brings a touch of Moroccan-inspired flavors to your table. Enjoy your culinary creation and the wonderful blend of textures and tastes!