Baba ghanoush is a tasty and healthy Middle Eastern dish that is gaining popularity all over the world. Made from roasted eggplant, garlic, tahini, and lemon juice, this creamy dip is perfect for those who love to snack on delicious and nutritious foods. Whether you're a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or simply looking for a new dip to try, baba ghanoush is definitely worth a taste.
I remember the first time I tried baba ghanoush at a Middle Eastern restaurant and I was blown away by its delicious flavor and rich texture. So, I decided to try making it at home. The end result was a delicious baba ghanoush that was just as good as the one I had at the restaurant. I was so proud of myself for making it from scratch and it has become a staple in my household ever since.
BABA GANOUSH INGREDIENTS
- 2 large eggplants
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons of tahini paste
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon of salt (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST BABA GANOUSH
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Wash the eggplants and pat them dry with a paper towel. Prick the skin of the eggplants with a fork in several places to prevent them from exploding in the oven.
- Place the eggplants on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until tender and slightly charred. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Discard the skin and chop the flesh into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped eggplant, minced garlic, tahini paste, lemon juice, and salt. Use a fork or a blender to blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Chill the baba ghanoush in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
HOW TO STORE BABA GANOUSH
Here are the steps to store baba ghanoush properly:
- Transfer the baba ghanoush to an airtight container or a bowl with a tight-fitting lid.
- Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top of the dip to prevent it from drying out.
- Cover the container with the lid or plastic wrap, making sure there are no air pockets.
- Label the container with the date and store it in the refrigerator.
When you're ready to serve the baba ghanoush, give it a good stir to incorporate the olive oil that has settled on the top. You can also garnish it with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor and color. If the dip has become too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or lemon juice and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.
A FEW EXTRA TIPS
- Choose the right eggplants: Look for eggplants that are firm, shiny, and heavy for their size. Avoid eggplants that are soft, wrinkled, or have brown spots. The best eggplants for baba ghanoush are long, slender, and dark purple ones.
- Roast the eggplants properly: Roasting the eggplants is the key to getting the smoky flavor and creamy texture of baba ghanoush. Make sure you prick the skin of the eggplants before roasting to prevent them from exploding in the oven. Bake the eggplants until they are tender and slightly charred, which takes about 45 minutes in a preheated oven.
- Let it chill: Chill the baba ghanoush in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dip to thicken up a bit.
Can you Freeze it?
It's important to note that baba ghanoush should not be frozen, as it can become watery and lose its creamy texture when thawed. Therefore, it's best to make only the amount that you'll be able to consume within a few days and store the leftovers in the refrigerator.
FAQs
What is baba ghanoush?
Baba ghanoush is a smoky, rich, and creamy eggplant dip, traditionally made by mixing tender roasted (or charred) eggplant and nutty tahini with garlic, citrus, and spices.
What are the ingredients in baba ghanoush?
The traditional ingredients in baba ghanoush include roasted or charred eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and spices. Other ingredients can include fresh vegetables like tomato and green bell pepper, herbs such as scallion and parsley, walnuts to add nutty crunch, and pomegranate molasses to add sweet/tart complexity.
Is baba ghanoush healthy?
Baba ghanoush is generally considered a healthy dip option; eggplant, the main ingredient, is high in antioxidants and lower in calories than chickpeas, which are used in hummus.
Conclusion
Baba ghanoush is a great appetizer to serve at parties or for entertaining. It's also a delicious dish to make for yourself when you're craving something simple and healthy that doesn't require much effort. Whether you've never tried baba ghanoush before or have made it many times before, we hope our tips will help you make the best version possible!
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