Lebanese Baba Ghanoush

Lebanese Baba Ghanoush is a creamy and smoky eggplant dip blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon. This easy recipe is perfect for mezze platters, appetizers, or healthy snacking. Elevate your meals with this flavorful, nutrient-rich dish!

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• ¼ cup tahini
• 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Olive oil for serving
• Pomegranate seeds for garnish
• Pita chips for serving

Instructions

1. Roast the Eggplant: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the eggplant in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the eggplant feels soft when pierced with a fork or knife.
2. Cool and Peel: Remove the eggplant from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Once it is cool enough to handle, cut off the top and peel away the skin. Discard the skin and retain only the soft flesh.
3. Blend the Ingredients: Transfer the eggplant flesh to a food processor or blender. Add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and salt. Pulse the mixture a few times until the ingredients are well incorporated but the texture remains slightly chunky.
4. Serve: Transfer the Baba Ghanoush to a serving dish. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with pomegranate seeds. Serve with pita chips for dipping.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor: Captures the essence of traditional Lebanese cuisine.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with wholesome, readily available ingredients.
• Healthy and Nutrient-Rich: Packed with antioxidants from eggplant and healthy fats from tahini.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a dip, spread, or side dish.

Tips

• For a smokier flavor, roast the eggplant over an open flame or on a grill.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best taste.
• Adjust the texture to your preference by blending more or less.
• Add olive oil gradually if the mixture feels too thick.

Variations and Substitutions

• Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh parsley or mint for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace tahini with sunflower seed butter.
• Additional Toppings: Sprinkle with smoked paprika, sesame seeds, or chopped parsley.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, Baba Ghanoush can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have tahini?
You can substitute tahini with plain Greek yogurt or a small amount of peanut butter.

How do I get a smoky flavor?
Char the eggplant over a gas flame or on a grill before roasting for a smoky taste.

Serving

Serve Baba Ghanoush as a dip with pita chips, fresh vegetables, or warm pita bread. It’s also an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter.

Suggestions

• Pair it with hummus and tabbouleh for a complete Middle Eastern spread.
• Use as a spread in sandwiches or wraps for added creaminess and flavor.
• Garnish with additional lemon zest or a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for a unique touch.