Baba Ganoush

Smoky grilled eggplant blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon into a rich, creamy dip. Serve it with warm pita and fresh vegetables.

Baba Ganoush

Smoky, rich, and creamy grilled-eggplant dip with tahini, garlic, and lemon.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Italian eggplants or small globe eggplants
  • 1/2 cup tahini paste
  • 2 lemons juice of
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt optional
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp sumac
  • 1.5 tsp Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes optional
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Toasted pine nuts for garnish, optional

Method
 

  1. Smoke or grill the eggplant: turn a gas burner to medium-high and place the eggplant directly over the flame. Using tongs, turn every 5 minutes or so until tender and the skin is charred on all sides, about 20 minutes. The eggplant should deflate and become very soft. (No gas burner? Use a grill, or roast in the oven — see notes.)
  2. Transfer the eggplant to a colander set over a bowl and let drain a few minutes; open it up and press with a spoon to release excess juices.
  3. Once cool enough to handle, peel off and discard the charred skin and the stem (a few bits of skin are fine).
  4. Transfer the drained eggplant to a bowl and break it down with a fork. Add the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, Greek yogurt (if using), salt, pepper, sumac, and Aleppo pepper. Mix gently with a fork or wooden spoon until well combined.
  5. Cover and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  6. To serve, transfer to a rimmed dish, drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, and top with toasted pine nuts if you like. Serve with pita wedges and veggies.

Notes

Oven method: heat oven to 425°F. Trim and halve the eggplant, salt it, and let it sweat out excess water ~30 minutes. Wipe off, arrange flesh-side down on a lightly oiled sheet, and roast ~40 minutes until very tender. Cool, scoop out the flesh, and continue from step 4.
For best texture, mash with a fork or wooden spoon rather than a food processor.
Store leftovers in a tightly closed container in the fridge up to 4 days.

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