174. Baba ganoush inspired eggplant dip - Bonus: 5 extra recipes to help create your mezze table
Baba ganoush (ghanoush, ganouj, ghanouj) is a Levantine eggplant/aubergine appetizer. It requires no special equipment other than a mixing bowl (you can choose to use a blender), and it is super simple to assemble. The name Baba ganoush is Arabic in origin and translates to ‘spoiled dad’ - ‘baba’ means dad and ganoush means ‘spoiled’. The recipe featured in this post is the classic version, there are other variations with roasted peppers, and some even add sugar. Baba ganoush is popular all over the Middle East but, it’s roots lie in the Levantine region; Lebanon, Syria, Israel and Jordan.
Baba ganoush appears on most mezze (pronounced mez-ay, alternatively mez-ah) tables, and it is universally loved. A mezze (or mezza) table is a style of dining in the Middle East and Mediterranean. It is similar to the Spanish tapas or Italian antipasti. The mezze spread consists of multiple small dishes, bread, vegetable (and/or fruit plates), and meant to be shared among diners.
Baba ganoush is all about highlighting the humble eggplant. Once the eggplant is roasted all you need is some lemon juice, garlic, salt, tahini, and a little bit of extra virgin olive oil. Upon serving you can keep it simple and serve as is, or fuss a little bit by sprinkling some ground cumin or paprika, and add some chopped parsley. I also added pomegranate because I am obsessed with pomegranates and their health benefits. I try to include pomegranate anywhere I can. It is particularly delicious with the smokiness of baba ganoush.
Mini digression: I could write a post dedicated to the magic of pomegranates, a love letter - perhaps, one day. I will mention one huge benefit of pomegranates, your gut bacteria LOVE them. If you can, consume pomegranate daily - in some way.
Now back to the recipe at hand.
This recipe gets it right, the baba ganoush is smoky, savoury and luxuriously smooth. I use a blender when I make baba ganoush, I haven’t always done so but, I have found that we prefer a silky texture. The classic recipe does not use a blender. The classic preparation is a chunkier dip. For more texture, once you have chopped the roasted eggplant, all the ingredients are simply mixed by hand in a bowl.
Ingredients
1 large eggplant - roasted
2 cloves of garlic - crushed, mashed or finely grated
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup lemon juice
Extra virgin olive oil
zest of one lemon at time of serving
parsley finely chopped
paprika for sprinkling at time of serving
pomegranate arils/seeds (optional)
Method
Roasting the eggplant:
Preheat the oven at 375 F.
Line a tray/baking dish with parchment paper.
Cut the eggplant in half length wise, and remove the stem from each half. I like to score the flesh with a knife (avoid breaking the skin), and then drizzle extra virgin olive oil prior to roasting.
Place the eggplant flesh side down in the baking dish. Bake for 35-45 minutes - until the eggplant is tender.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool a few minutes.
Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh, discard the skin.
Assembling the baba ganoush
In a mixing bowl or blender, combine the roasted eggplant, garlic, salt and tahini. Combine the ingredients using a fork (or blender), then add the lemon juice. If you find the consistency is too thick, add a tsp of water at a time to loosen.
All the ingredients were added to a blender. This is how you achieve a smooth dip. If you prefer a more textured dip, use a bowl and manually stir the ingredients together with a fork.
Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, parsley and pomegranate (if using). Scoop up eggplant with pieces of pita bread, cut vegetables or, try a dollop on the meat pies.
Other suggested dishes for a fun mezze table spread.
Serve and enjoy!
Loved this! I didn’t know the meaning behind baba ganoush—so cool to learn that. And now I’m seriously craving a mezze spread. That lentil and dill salad sounds super fresh and easy too. Thanks for sharing!
I love mezze or tapas or antipasto spreads!! It’s one of the best ways to eat and share food with friends!