Classic Baba Ganoush Recipe – Smoky Middle Eastern roasted eggplant dip with tahini, garlic, lemon, olive oil and spices.
What is baba ganoush?
In Arabic, “baba” means father and “ghanoush” means spoiled. This “spoiled dad” dip is the creamier companion to hummus. Popular in Arab countries throughout the Middle East, it is also a common appetizer on the Sephardic Jewish table. In Israel, it is known as eggplant salad, or Salat Hatzilim. It is sometimes made with roasted bell peppers, and often mayonnaise is added for richness. I’ve even tasted sweet baba ghanoush with a touch of sugar in it. While I’ve provided a more classic version here, there are endless variations on this theme.
I’ve made baba ghanoush many times for my family over the years, and it took me some time to find the correct balance of flavors. Every time I made it, I would offer my husband a taste. In the nicest way possible, he would tell me– “Mmm. Good, but a little more tahini.” Or, “Yes, it’s almost there– maybe a touch more lemon juice?” Over time, I discovered the right combination. I knew I’d hit upon it when his face lit up. He smiled and said, “Just like my mom made.” I consider that the highest of kitchen compliments. 🙂
That said, Middle Eastern dips and salads like baba ghanoush and hummus are subject to taste. Some families prefer “a little more of this” or “a little less of that.” When in doubt, taste and adjust seasonings according to your palette.
For this baba ganoush recipe recipe, you will need to roast both eggplant and garlic. To learn how to roast eggplant, click here. To learn how to roast garlic, click here. You will also need to buy tahini sesame seed paste. Tahini can be found in the peanut butter section at most health food stores, and any Middle Eastern market will carry it. Many regular grocery stores have started stocking it, too.
How do you eat baba ganoush?
Baba ghanoush is usually served as an appetizer or mezze. It can be used as a dip or a spread and is typically served at room temperature.
What to serve with baba ganoush?
Baba ghanoush is healthy, gluten free, vegan, all natural and so delicious. Pair with pita bread, crackers or chips for a mouth-watering appetizer that your guests will love.
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Classic Baba Ghanoush
Learn to make Classic Baba Ghanoush dip with smoky roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon, olive oil and spices.
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COURSE: Appetizer
Kosher Key: Parve
Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants (about 3 lbs. total), roasted
- 1/3 cup tahini from light seeds, not "dark tahini"
- 3 cloves garlic roasted (or 1 raw, crushed)
- 2 whole fresh lemons, juiced or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or more to taste
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional); you can also top with a sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika
Instructions
Roast the eggplant. You will find that roasting over an open flame will produce richer smoky flavor. For instructions, click here. Place the roasted eggplant pulp into a bowl with half of the smoky cooking liquid. Discard the skin and reserve the remaining cooking liquid. Let the eggplant return to room temperature.
Add tahini, garlic, fresh lemon juice, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil to the bowl. Use a fork and/or spoon to mash together the mixture, using firm pressure to break up the tahini paste, roasted garlic, and any stringiness of the eggplant. Mix until well combined. Note- I don't recommend using a food processor here, the texture is most authentic when using a fork to mash.
Taste the dip. Add additional tahini, lemon juice, salt or cayenne pepper, if desired. The cayenne is extremely spicy, so add with care.
Drizzle with olive oil, if desired - just a small amount will do. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve as a dip with pita bread, crackers or chips. If you prefer a cold dip, chill in the refrigerator prior to garnish. Store refrigerated in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Classic Baba Ghanoush
Amount Per Serving
Calories 60Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Sodium 101mg4%
Potassium 208mg6%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 20IU0%
Vitamin C 2.3mg3%
Calcium 18mg2%
Iron 0.5mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
tried this recipe?
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Other Great Recipe Ideas
Creamy Baba Ghanoush
Roasted Eggplant Salad
Mooshi’s Cooked Eggplant Salad
Roasted Eggplant Yogurt Dip
Nutritional information should be considered an estimate only; please consult a registered dietician, nutritionist, or your physician for specific health-related questions. Read more here. Please note that the recipe above is published using a recipe card plugin, with preexisting software which can auto-calculate metric measurements, as well as change the number of servings. Metric conversions and changes to the number of servings (resulting in different ingredient amounts) will only appear in the ingredient list, and are not changed within the step-by-step directions of the recipe.
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