Baba ghanoush

Baba Ghanoush has got to be one of the best vegetarian dips of all time! This side-dish hails from the Middle East, it is made with roasted eggplants, garlic, lemon juice and a dash of olive oil. It is incredibly popular in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Did you know that ‘baba ghanoush‘ means pampered father? But let’s be honest, these roasted eggplants are so good, it has to be shared amongst the whole family. They are not just reserved for our dads!

One of the best combinations on this earth occurs when ‘Baba Ghanoush‘ is paired with Lamb chops, and Chimichurri. If you’ve never tried that combination, then we urge you to do so. We know Baba Ghanoush is Middle Eastern and Chimichurri is Latin American, but the World is a better place when we mix and match our foods.

Let me tell you something, home-made Baba Ghanoush is far tastier than the store-bought version. The taste is complex and far more delicious. And, I can affirm this, I have bought a lot of Baba ghanoush! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to cook your eggplant on an outdoor grill. If you have one, great, use it, the outdoor grill will make your life easier. However cooking this dish in the comfort of your kitchen is just as easy! You can bake the eggplants in your oven and then use our special trick to make it extra smoky and highly flavourful. *We’ve shared how to roast your eggplant on the outdoor grill, see below.

What do you Need to Make Baba Ghanoush?

Eggplants, Garlic Cloves, Salt, Cumin, Butter, White pepper, Paprika, Lemon, Tahini paste.

Choose smaller to medium-sized eggplants. Most people choose to use the male eggplants as they have fewer seeds, but this is really a minor issue. According to the internet, the male eggplants have a slight dimple at the bottom and the female eggplants have a dash shape. 🤭

But let’s not discriminate against the female eggplants, they’re just as good as the male ones. Garlic cloves are one of the most important components of a delicious baba ghanoush, it offers a pungent flavour. Did you know that the spices used in the Baba ghanoush are instrumental to its taste; salt, cumin white pepper and paprika increases the smoky flavour of this dish. Lemon balances out the flavour of the tahini. Use any tahini paste from the store, they are mainly just sesame seeds and oil.

Instructions

Preheat your oven and ensure that the heat is on 400°F (200°C). Wash and cut your eggplant along the core and place it on top of a baking tray. Rub generously with olive oil, place your tray of eggplants in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. Preferably with the fan on.

Remove from the oven. Depending on the size of your eggplant, the moisture content will differ. In this case, we have one small to medium eggplant and the second one is medium large eggplant.

Add butter and olive oil to your grill pan, set the stove temperature to medium high heat. Place your sliced eggplants onto the grill and press down using the thongs. It takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes to achieve the grill marks and ensure a smoky taste. If you don’t have a grill pan, you can use a cast iron pan, and the last option would be a normal non-stick pan.

After your eggplant appears to be caramelized on the grill pan. Set aside and allow to cool for 4 minutes. Then use a spoon and fork to scoop out the flesh of the eggplant.

Place in a bowl and add a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Now, the next step. Use a blender and add your garlic cloves. Grind up your garlic. Add your eggplant. Also add in your white pepper, paprika, salt and cumin.

The amount of lemon used will depend on the number of eggplants used. It is recommended that you use five to six tablespoons of lemon juice for two medium sized eggplants. It is important for you taste the blended mixture during each spin. You can adjust the amount of tahini and lemon accordingly, until you hit the right spot. In some cases, you may need to add more cumin powder.

And there you have it! The Best Baba Ghanoush on the planet. Eggplant is one my most favourite vegetables and Baba Ghanoush really hits the spot with lamb chops and grilled meat.

How to Serve your Baba Ghanoush?

Baba ghanoush can be served with so many different main dishes. Consider Grilled Lamb Chops, Rib Eye Steak, Grilled Chicken, Pita bread and Crackers as great options.

How to Store your Baba Ghanoush?

Baba Ghanoush can last four to five days in the refrigerator. It does not have to be reheated in order to be consumed. You can freeze Baba Ghanoush for three months.

Expert tips

Medium to small eggplants are best. Look for blemish free eggplants with a shiny skin. The eggplant should feel firm but not soft, it should not have any soft spots as that can be an indication of an overripe eggplant that has too much moisture. If you’re considering using a gas stove or an outdoor grill. The outside skin of the eggplant should shrivel up and appear charred in order to produce the smoky flavour. This should take 15 to 20 minutes. You will have to turn the eggplant every five minutes with a long thong.