Trim the stems from the eggplants and cut them in half lengthwise. Arrange the eggplant halves skin side up on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and place under the broiler as close to the flame or heating element as possible.

Roast the eggplants for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the skins are charred and puckered with sections that crumble or crack like burnt paper when pressed. The flesh will be very soft.

While the eggplant is roasting, peel, seed, and chop the tomatoes.

Transfer the chopped tomatoes to a skillet along with the olive oil, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and spices.

The optional cayenne and whole chili peppers can be added at this time as well.

Cook the tomato mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes break down and a rich tomato sauce forms. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how soft the tomatoes were and how many you used.

When the eggplants are roasted, remove them from the oven. When cool enough to handle, use a large spoon to scoop the flesh from the skin. Discard the skin.

Add the eggplant flesh to the tomato mixture, stirring to combine. Use the back of a spoon or a fork to mash any firm bits of eggplant.

If you want to add the optional lemon juice or a very small wedge of lemon, you can do so at this time.

Cook the zaalouk for five to ten minutes to allow the flavors to blend, or longer if you want to reduce the salad to a drier, pastier consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning then remove from the heat.

Peel, seed, and chop the tomatoes. Place them in a large deep skillet or large pot along with the olive oil, spices, garlic, and herbs. Stir to combine.

Trim the stems from the eggplants and peel them. Some strips of skin can be left intact if you like a colorful zaalouk.

Finely chop the peeled eggplants and add them to the skillet or pot along with 1/4 to 1/3 cup of water.

If your pan is quite full, don’t worry about stirring the eggplant into the tomato mixture just yet.

Cover and cook the tomato mixture and eggplants over medium heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chopped eggplant has begun to soften and reduce in volume.

Stir to combine all the ingredients well.

Add the optional chili peppers or cayenne, if using, and a little more water if you found that the ingredients were sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Cover and continue cooking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the eggplant and tomatoes are soft enough to mash.

At this point, you can add the optional lemon juice or lemon wedge if using.

Continue cooking the zaalouk uncovered to reduce the liquids, scraping the bottom of the pan and stirring frequently. Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning the zaalouk.

If you want a puree-like consistency, mash the eggplants and tomatoes while the liquids reduce. If you prefer a chunky texture, stir without mashing.

When the zaalouk has reduced to a consistency you like, taste and adjust seasoning then remove from the heat.