Baba Ganoush is a classic Mediterranean dip that highlights the rich, smoky flavor of roasted eggplant. Blended with tahini, lemon, garlic, and a touch of cumin, this dip is smooth, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect as a healthy appetizer, snack, or side, and pairs beautifully with pita bread or fresh vegetables. This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor—ideal for any gathering or as part of a mezze platter.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 globe eggplants (about 2 lbs)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2-3 tbsp roasted tahini (sesame paste)
- 1-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Juice of one lemon or lime (about 2 ½ tbsp)
- Salt and cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Eggplants:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise, and poke a few holes in the skin with a fork to allow steam to escape during roasting. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, drizzle both sides of the eggplants with olive oil, and place them cut-side down on the foil.
2. Roast the Eggplants:
- Roast the eggplants in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until they become very tender and the skin is wrinkled. The flesh should be soft enough to scoop out easily. Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 15 minutes.
3. Prepare the Dip:
- Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, gently scoop out the flesh and transfer it to a medium-sized bowl. Discard the skins. Add the tahini, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper to the bowl.
4. Mix and Mash:
- Using a fork or a potato masher, mix and mash the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. The texture can be adjusted to your liking, whether you prefer it chunkier or creamier.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the baba ganoush to a serving dish. Drizzle with the reserved 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve it with toasted pita bread, crackers, or chopped vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or cayenne pepper if needed.
Tips for Making the Perfect Baba Ganoush:
- Get the Smoky Flavor: For a more authentic smoky flavor, you can char the eggplants over a gas stove or grill before roasting. This step adds depth to the dip.
- Tahini Choice: Make sure to use high-quality roasted tahini for the best flavor. If you find the tahini to be too bitter, you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a food processor to blend the ingredients instead of mashing them by hand.
- Garlic Intensity: Start with 1 clove of garlic, especially if you’re sensitive to raw garlic’s sharpness, and adjust based on your taste preferences.
- Citrus Flavor: Lemon is the classic choice for baba ganoush, but lime adds a nice twist if you prefer a slightly different citrus note.
This Easy Baba Ganoush is a versatile and flavorful dip that’s quick to make but impressively rich in taste. Its creamy texture and smoky flavor make it an ideal pairing for any Mediterranean meal, or simply as a healthy snack. Enjoy it fresh or store it in the fridge—it tastes even better after the flavors meld together!
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