Baba Ghannouj
Baba Ghannouj is a smoky, creamy Middle Eastern eggplant dip flavored with tahini, garlic, and lemon, perfect for sharing as an appetizer or party spread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grill the eggplant over a charcoal fire for 30 to 40 minutes, turning frequently.
- Alternatively, place the eggplant on the center shelf in a hot oven and cook until soft, turning often.
- Once cooked and cooled, peel the eggplant and mash or blend it until smooth.
- Mix the mashed eggplant with lemon juice, tahini, minced garlic, salt, and olive oil.
- Garnish with finely chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best flavor, grill the eggplant until it has a smoky char, which enhances the baba ghannouj's depth. If you're short on time, you can roast the eggplant in the oven. For a creamier texture, blend the mixture longer. If tahini is unavailable, you can substitute with nut butter like almond or sunflower seed butter. Adjust garlic to taste for milder or stronger flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Baba ghannouj is best served with warm pita bread, fresh vegetable sticks, or as part of a mezze platter alongside dishes like Scallops St. Jacques and Spinach And Dill Dip. It pairs wonderfully with a refreshing salad or grilled meats for a complete meal. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baba ghannouj in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a microwave, but serving it cold or at room temperature is recommended for the best flavor. Stir well before serving again to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baba Ghannouj contains roughly 140 calories, with 4g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1815mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baba ghannouj ahead of time?
Yes, baba ghannouj can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Is baba ghannouj gluten-free?
Yes, baba ghannouj is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure to serve it with gluten-free dippers like vegetable sticks or gluten-free crackers.
What can I substitute for tahini?
If you don't have tahini on hand, you can use sunbutter or almond butter as a substitution. While the flavor will differ slightly, it can still provide a creamy texture. Alternatively, you can also omit it and add extra olive oil for richness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).