Ajlouk Qura a Mashed Zucchini Salad

Ajlouk Qura, a traditional mashed zucchini salad, is a flavorful Tunisian specialty that combines tender boiled zucchini with aromatic spices like ground coriander, caraway seeds, and paprika. This vibrant dish is elevated by the richness of garlic sautéed in olive oil, a splash of zesty lemon juice, and a fresh sprinkling of parsley. Perfect as a light appetizer, a unique side dish, or a dip for crusty bread, this gluten-free and vegan salad is as versatile as it is delicious. With its quick cooking time and simple preparation, Ajlouk Qura is an easy way to bring the bold, earthy flavors of North African cuisine to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoons ground caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Thoroughly wash the zucchinis, then slice them into thick rounds.

Step 2

In a medium pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the zucchini slices and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender.

Step 3

While the zucchini cooks, peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

Drain the cooked zucchinis in a colander and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, gently press out excess water using the back of a spoon or a clean kitchen towel.

Step 5

In a large bowl, mash the zucchini with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky.

Step 6

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but avoid browning.

Step 7

Stir the garlic into the mashed zucchini, followed by the ground coriander, ground caraway seeds, paprika, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine.

Step 8

Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the salad and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Step 9

Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled with crusty bread or as a side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	868.9 grams (868.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	687

Total Fat 45.10g	58%
Saturated Fat 7.20g	36%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.60g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 9825mg	427%
Total Carbohydrate 65.30g	24%
Dietary Fiber 8.80g	31%
Total Sugars 55.20g
Protein 9.50g	19%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 172mg	13%
Iron 4mg	24%
Potassium 1908mg	41%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.6%

Protein: 5.4%

Carbs: 37.0%