Baba Ghannouj - Eggplant Dip

( Baba ghannouj, Baba ganoush or Motabel ) this is the names of this popular dip made from eggplant and tahini. It has a smooth, creamy texture, and a slightly smoked taste. It is traditionally served with pita bread (toasted or fresh), however many people like it as a chip dip with potato chips or tortilla chips.

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup lemon juice (depending on taste)
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• Garnish
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Preparation:

You can use the normal local middle eastern way of cooking the eggplant for this dip as in the photos you see here, or preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake eggplant for 30 minutes, or until outside is crisp and inside is soft.

Allow to cool for 20 minutes.

Cut open eggplant and scoop out the flesh into colander and allow to drain for 10 minutes. Removing the excess liquid helps to eliminate a bitter flavor.

Place eggplant flesh in a medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mash together. You can also use a food processor instead of by hand. Pulse for about 2 minutes. 

Place in serving bowl and top with lemon juice and olive oil. Add other garnishes according to taste. 

Serve with warm or toasted pita or flatbread. 

Baba ghannouj always has to have olive oil on top for garnish. However you can spice things up a bit by adding crushed red pepper, a dash of cumin, parsley or coriander.

Enjoy!