What to Choose: Baba Ganoush or Hummus
Baba ganoush or hummus? Whichever you choose you cannot go wrong. Bothappetizers are delicious and healthy. Both have originated in the Levant andspread around the world. Both are thick, creamy, and filling. Mediterraneancuisine is known for its big healthy flavors and both baba ganoush and hummusare great examples of it.
Baba ganoush
Baba ganoush is a dip made of eggplant, roasted and mashed. The eggplant ismixed with olive oil. Additional ingredients change with the culture making thefood, but tend to include tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. The name“baba ganoush” means pampered father in Arabic, but whether that phrasedescribes the eggplant or the eater is up to debate.
Eggplant is an ingredient that inspires strong feelings. Eggplant has little tasteand instead picks up the flavors of the items mixed with it. It does have a slightastringency and unique texture which some people dislike, and others love. ThisArabic appetizer includes roasted eggplant that takes on the smoky and pleasantflavor from the roast.
Hummus
Hummus is considered one of the classics of mediterranean cuisine Hummus is a dip made of chickpeas, cooked andmashed. The chickpeas are mixed with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, andsalt. The name “hummus” means chickpeas in Arabic and it is the queen ofArabic appetizers.
The best hummus balances the flavors of each ingredient behind the slightlynutty flavor of the chickpeas. Prepared in the traditional way, it has a mild flavorthat most people enjoy with a touch of sour (lemon), salty, and bitter (tahini) tokeep it interesting. Hummus is smooth, thick, very filling, and is a healthychoice.
Healthy Choices
Both hummus and baba ganoush are high in fiber, low in calories, and rich inOmega-3s. Both offer a range of healthy minerals: calcium, iron, magnesium,phosphorus, and zinc. The chickpeas in hummus have protein, insoluble fiber,and Vitamin B6. The eggplant is more nutritionally dense in vitamins B, E, andriboflavin because it cooks down much smaller than it starts. Baba ganoush alsohas a lower calorie count.
How to choose
1) Scarcity – Hummus is readily available at grocery stores, so get baba ganoushbecause it is more special.
2) Crowd pleaser – If you are sharing a plate with friends, hummus is the morewidely loved choice.
3) Health – Both dishes are very healthy, but baba ganoush has a slight edgehere with more vitamins from the eggplant and a lower calorie count.
4) Big meal to come – Get baba ganoush, it’s less filling than hummus.
5) Happiness – Order both dips and share them with friends. Why should youhave to choose only one?
Middle eastern food is best when shared with family and friends. If you bringenough friends along, you can get both and have a taste-testing.
Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill is an authentic Middle Easternrestaurant that serves both hummus and baba ganoush. Stop in today for a flavor experience, or order online at your ownconvenience!
