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baba ganoush

baba ganoush

Baba ganoush: a creamy roasted eggplant dip with tahini, garlic, and lemon. Perfect for a light, healthy snack with pita or veggies!
Total Time 46 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 95

Ingredients
  

  • 2 units medium eggplants about 600g total
  • 2 tablespoons tahini well mixed
  • 1 unit lemon juiced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus extra to drizzle
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prick the eggplants several times with a fork and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Roast the eggplants for about 45 minutes, turning halfway through, until the skin is charred and the flesh is very soft.
  4. Transfer the roasted eggplants to a colander. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then peel off the skin and let any excess liquid drain away.
  5. Scoop the eggplant flesh into a food processor or large bowl. Add tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, cumin, and salt.
  6. Blend until smooth and creamy, or mash with a fork for a chunkier texture. Taste and adjust salt or lemon if needed.
  7. Transfer the baba ganoush to a serving bowl. Drizzle with extra olive oil and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika.
  8. Serve with warm pita bread or vegetable sticks.

Notes

Baba ganoush stands out for its versatility and international appeal. This creamy eggplant dip is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and has found its place on tables around the world, whether as an appetizer, a sandwich spread, or a veggie dipping sauce.
For the best flavor and texture, always choose fresh, firm eggplants. Roasting the eggplants over an open flame or in the oven until the skin is deeply charred gives the dip its signature smoky depth. If you don’t have tahini on hand, try substituting with unsweetened peanut butter or Greek yogurt for a different twist. Taste the mix before serving and adjust the lemon and salt for the perfect balance—sometimes a little extra squeeze of lemon brings the baba ganoush to life!

Tips for Preparation

Draining the roasted eggplant flesh well prevents your baba ganoush from turning watery. Use a fine-mesh sieve or a colander, and let it sit for a few minutes after peeling. If blending by hand, leave the dip a bit chunky for a rustic feel, or use a food processor for a silkier finish. Roasting a head of garlic alongside the eggplant and mixing in a clove or two adds subtle sweetness and complexity.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Baba ganoush pairs wonderfully with warm pita, flatbreads, grilled meats, or crisp vegetable sticks. For a burst of freshness, top with pomegranate seeds or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Spice it up by adding a pinch of cayenne or chopped fresh herbs like mint or cilantro. If you’re hosting a party, serve baba ganoush alongside hummus, olives, and pickled vegetables to create an inviting mezze platter sure to impress your guests.