Baba Ganoush, also known as Baba Ghanouj, is a delicious, smoky eggplant dip popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s made from roasted eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and various seasonings. Here’s a simple recipe to make Baba Ganoush:
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 3 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Paprika or sumac, for garnish (optional)
- Pita bread or vegetables, for serving
Instructions:
- Roast the Eggplants:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the eggplants with a fork several times.
- Place the eggplants on a baking sheet lined with foil. Roast them in the oven for 35-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and the inside is soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Prepare the Eggplant:
- Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, cut them open and scoop out the flesh. Discard the skin.
- Place the flesh in a colander for about 10 minutes to drain any excess liquid.
- Make the Baba Ganoush:
- In a food processor, combine the eggplant flesh, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Process until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the Baba Ganoush to a serving dish.
- Drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle with parsley, paprika, or sumac if desired.
- Serve with pita bread, pita chips, or raw vegetables.
Notes:
- Eggplants: The key to great Baba Ganoush is properly roasting the eggplants. You want them to be really soft inside and charred outside for that smoky flavor.
- Tahini: Adjust the amount of tahini based on your preference. Some like their Baba Ganoush with a stronger sesame flavor.
- Consistency: You can make your Baba Ganoush as smooth or as chunky as you like.
- Garlic and Lemon Juice: Adjust these to taste. Some prefer a tangier or more garlicky dip.
- Serving: It’s often served as part of a mezze platter, alongside dishes like hummus, falafel, and tabbouleh.