James Baba Ganouj (Ga-Noosh)
James Baba Ganouj is a smoky, creamy eggplant dip with tahini, garlic, and lemon, perfect for sharing with crackers or pita, and suits casual gatherings or appetizers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly oil a baking sheet.
- Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise and place face down on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until very tender.
- Cool until comfortable to handle.
- Scoop out the eggplant pulp and discard the skin.
- Place the pulp in a food processor or blender.
- Add minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt to the blender.
- Puree until smooth.
- Transfer to an attractive dish, cover tightly, and chill.
- Just before serving, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced parsley.
- Serve with crackers or pita bread cut into wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, try charring the eggplant on a grill instead of baking. If you don't have tahini, you can substitute with sunflower seed butter or omit it for a lighter dip. Adjust the garlic according to your taste; roasting it before adding can mellow its sharpness. For a twist, add spices like cumin or smoked paprika to enhance the flavors further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve baba ganouj as a dip with pita chips or fresh veggies. It pairs beautifully with crackers or pita bread cut into wedges. For a complete Mediterranean meal, consider serving it alongside dishes like Eggplant Salad With Tomatoes And Feta Cheese or Yogurt And Cucumber Dip. Fresh vegetables or olives also make great accompaniments.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baba ganouj in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. To reheat, gently warm in a microwave or serve cold. If it thickens, you can stir in a little olive oil or water to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of James Baba Ganouj (Ga-Noosh) contains roughly 106 calories, with 3g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 540mg per serving (23% 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
What can I serve with baba ganouj?
Baba ganouj is versatile and pairs well with an array of accompaniments. Serve it with pita bread, fresh veggies, or crackers. For a full spread, include Mediterranean recipes like hummus or grilled vegetables for a delightful appetizer platter.
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).