If you are looking for a quick and delicious appetizer, look no further than Baba Ganoush. This Middle Eastern dip is made from roasted eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. It has a smoky and creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with pita bread or fresh vegetables.
One of the best things about Baba Ganoush is that it is incredibly easy to make. All you need to do is roast the eggplant until it is soft and tender, then mash it up with the other ingredients. You can also customize the dip to your liking by adding extra garlic, spices, or even some roasted red peppers.
Ingredients and preparation
When making Easy Baba Ganoush, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the baba ganoush, start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet cut-side down. Roast them in the oven for about 40 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.
Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and transfer it to a colander. Let it drain for about 10 minutes to remove any excess liquid. Then, transfer the drained eggplant flesh to a food processor or blender.
Add the tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if desired.
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Eggplants | 2 large |
| Tahini | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Lemon juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions
To make Easy Baba Ganoush, follow these simple cooking instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Drizzle olive oil over the eggplants and season them with salt and pepper.
- Roast the eggplants in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, until they are tender and the skin is charred.
- Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh with a spoon and transfer it to a food processor or blender.
- Add garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and cumin to the eggplant flesh in the food processor.
- Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
- Transfer the Baba Ganoush to a serving dish and garnish with olive oil, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of paprika.
Serve the Easy Baba Ganoush with pita bread, vegetables, or as a dip for your favorite snacks. Enjoy!
Serving and Variations
To serve the Easy Baba Ganoush, you can serve it as a dip with pita bread or crackers. It can also be served as a side dish or a topping for grilled vegetables or meats. The creamy texture and smoky flavor of the baba ganoush make it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Here are some variations of the Easy Baba Ganoush recipe:
- Roasted Red Pepper Baba Ganoush: Add roasted red peppers to the mix to give the baba ganoush a vibrant color and a sweet, smoky flavor.
- Cilantro and Lime Baba Ganoush: Add fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to the baba ganoush for a refreshing and zesty twist.
- Spicy Baba Ganoush: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapenos to the mix to add some heat to the baba ganoush.
If you want to get creative, you can also use the baba ganoush as a spread for sandwiches or as a topping for burgers. It can also be used as a base for a Mediterranean-inspired pizza or as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. The possibilities are endless!
