Taktouka (Moroccan Roasted Pepper and Tomato Salad)
Local name: تكتوكة
In short: Charred green peppers and ripe tomatoes cooked down with garlic, cumin and paprika into a chunky, smoky salad served at room temperature. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 110 kcal
Taktouka is one of the cooked salads that open a Moroccan meal, served in small dishes alongside zaalouk and others. Bell peppers are charred until the skins blister, peeled and chopped, then cooked with tomatoes and plenty of garlic until the juices reduce and the oil rises. The result is smoky, sweet and a little spicy. Scoop it up with bread, or spoon it over eggs or fish.
Instructions
- Heat the broiler to its highest setting, or use a gas flame or grill. Char the whole peppers (and the chili, if using), turning them, for 12 to 15 minutes until the skins are blackened and blistered all over.
- Put the peppers in a bowl, cover with a plate and leave for 10 minutes. Peel off the skins, remove the seeds and chop the flesh into small pieces.
- Warm the oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, paprika and cumin and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add the tomatoes and salt and cook for 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until thick and most of the liquid has gone.
- Add the chopped peppers and cook for another 10 minutes, mashing slightly with the back of a spoon, until the mixture is thick and the oil separates at the edges.
- Stir in the cilantro and lemon juice. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Charring over a flame gives the best smoky flavor, but a very hot oven works too. Roast the peppers at 250°C (480°F) for 25 minutes, turning once.
- Serve it with a fried or poached egg on top for a quick lunch, or use it as a base for baked fish.
Questions and answers
Can I use red or yellow peppers for taktouka?
Yes, though traditional taktouka uses green peppers for their grassy flavor. Red or yellow peppers give a sweeter salad, so add a little extra lemon juice.
How long does taktouka keep?
It keeps for up to 5 days in a covered container in the fridge. The flavor gets better on the second day.
Is taktouka the same as zaalouk?
No. Taktouka is made from peppers and tomatoes, while zaalouk is made from eggplant and tomatoes. Both are served as cooked salads with bread.
How long does it take to make Taktouka (Moroccan Roasted Pepper and Tomato Salad)?
About 55 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Taktouka (Moroccan Roasted Pepper and Tomato Salad)?
About 110 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 11 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 110 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
