Which vegetable joins tomatoes as a main ingredient in taktouka?

Bell peppers join tomatoes as a main ingredient in taktouka.

This Moroccan savory salad or spread usually combines cooked tomatoes and bell peppers with garlic, toasted paprika, olive oil, and other spices. The peppers may be roasted or cooked until soft, then chopped or ground with the tomatoes to create a concentrated, slightly smoky mixture.

Taktouka is commonly served as part of a Moroccan mezze-style spread. It can be eaten semi-warm or cold, most often with bread for scooping. Unlike a soup, it is generally reduced to a thick side dish rather than left brothy.

The name is linked to the Arabic verb taktak, meaning “to grind,” reflecting preparation methods in which the ingredients are crushed or finely mixed. Taktouka is often confused with zaalouk, another Moroccan cooked salad: zaalouk is usually centered on eggplant, while taktouka’s characteristic vegetable pairing is tomatoes and bell peppers.