Looking for a healthy and flavorful dip or spread for your next party or snack? Look no further than this delicious Baba Ghanoush recipe! Made with roasted eggplants, tahini paste, garlic, lemon juice, and a combination of spices, this Middle Eastern dish is perfect for dipping veggies, pita bread, crackers, or using as a sandwich spread.
The best part? This recipe is easy to make at home. The key to making this recipe is roasting the eggplants until they are very soft, which allows them to be easily blended with the other ingredients to create a smooth and creamy texture. Once roasted, the eggplant flesh is mixed with tahini paste, garlic, lemon juice, and a blend of spices. The result is an appetizing and delicious dip that goes great with many different foods.
With its smoky and slightly tangy taste, Baba Ghanoush is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. But that’s not all! Baba Ghanoush is also vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. This popular Mediterranean dip is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and try new and exciting flavor combinations.
So why wait? Whip up a batch of Baba Ghanoush today and enjoy the delicious flavors of the Middle East! Whether as a snack, an appetizer, or a spread for your favorite sandwich, this dip is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more!
Baba Ghanoush Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 eggplants
- 1/4 cup (60.9 g) tahini paste
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) cumin
- 1/4 tsp (0.2 tsp) smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp (0.2 tsp) salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F degrees.
- Prick the eggplants multiple times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet.
- Roast the eggplants in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until they are very soft.
- Let the eggplants cool before peeling off the skin.
- Place the eggplant flesh in a food processor.
- Add tahini paste, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the food processor.
- Blend the mixture until smooth.
- Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil into the mixture while the food processor is on.
- Taste, and adjust salt and lemon juice as needed.
- Serve in a bowl, drizzled with more olive oil and garnished with chopped parsley (optional).
Notes
2. Prick the eggplants multiple times with a fork before roasting them to prevent them from bursting.
3. Allow the eggplants to cool before peeling off the skin to avoid burning your hands.
4. Use a food processor to ensure that the ingredients are blended smoothly and evenly.
5. Drizzle the olive oil into the mixture while the food processor is running to emulsify the ingredients properly.
6. Taste the Baba Ghanoush as you go and adjust seasoning as needed to ensure it's flavorful.
7. Display the dish neatly in a serving bowl and glamorize it by adding a garnish of chopped parsley.
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Storage Tips
Typically, Baba Ghanoush can last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. To store it, transfer the dip to an airtight container and place it in the fridge.
If you want to freeze the Baba Ghanoush, it’s best to do so before adding the olive oil and parsley. Scoop the dip into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and then cover it with the lid. Freeze it for up to 6 months.
When you’re ready to use the frozen dip, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, add the olive oil and chopped parsley, and enjoy!
To serve, you can garnish the Baba Ghanoush with chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Baba Ghanoush: Add some chopped chili peppers or cayenne pepper to the basic recipe, to give it a fiery kick.
2. Garlic Baba Ghanoush: Increase the quantity of garlic in the recipe, to make it more flavorful and pungent.
3. Lemon Baba Ghanoush: Add more lemon juice or zest to the recipe, to give it a tangy and refreshing flavor.
4. Yogurt Baba Ghanoush: Mix some plain yogurt into the basic recipe, to make it more creamy and smooth.
5. Tomato Baba Ghanoush: Blend some fresh or roasted tomatoes into the recipe, to give it a slightly sweet and acidic flavor.
6. Eggplant and Tahini Baba Ghanoush: Use a combination of roasted eggplant and tahini paste, to create a richer and nuttier flavor.
7. Vegan Baba Ghanoush: Omit the yogurt and use vegan mayonnaise or silken tofu instead, for a plant-based version of the recipe.
8. Mediterranean Baba Ghanoush: Add some chopped herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro, as well as some diced cucumber and chopped olives, to give it a more Mediterranean vibe.
What To Serve With
1. Pita bread or chips
2. Raw veggies (carrots, cucumbers, peppers)
3. Falafel
4. Hummus
5. Tabouli salad
6. Grilled meats (chicken, lamb, beef)
7. Olives
8. Feta cheese
9. Tzatziki sauce
10. Rice or couscous.
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