Creamy White Bean and Roasted Eggplant Dip
Indulge in the rich and velvety texture of this Creamy White Bean and Roasted Eggplant Dip, a delightful twist on the traditional Baba Ghanoush. With the smoky flavor of roasted eggplant combined with the nuttiness of white beans, fresh parsley, and a zesty hint of lemon, this dip is a perfect appetizer for gatherings or a sumptuous filling for pita sandwiches. Serve it alongside crispy pita chips or fresh cucumber slices for a refreshing snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Ideal for parties, picnics, or weekday lunches, this versatile dish is sure to impress your guests and friends.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1.5 lb (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
Olive oil
1/3 cup (plus more for drizzling)
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (plus more for seasoning)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground, plus more for seasoning)
Chickpeas
15 ounce can (drained and rinsed)
Fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/3 cup (loosely packed)
Large lemon
1 (juice of (about 2 tablespoons))
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Cumin
1/4 teaspoon (n/a)
Tahini paste
3 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C) and position an oven rack in the middle.
2
On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, arrange the eggplant pieces. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3
Roast the eggplant for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
4
In a food processor, combine the cooled roasted eggplant, drained chickpeas, fresh parsley, lemon juice, minced garlic, tahini, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
5
Pulse the mixture until it’s coarsely chopped, then, with the processor running, gently pour in the remaining 1/3 cup of olive oil until the dip becomes smooth and creamy.
6
Taste the dip and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7
Transfer the creamy mixture into a serving bowl and drizzle with extra olive oil. Serve alongside pita chips or fresh cucumber slices for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy White Bean and Roasted Eggplant Dip?
This dip is a velvety, rich appetizer that combines smoky roasted eggplant with the creaminess of white beans or chickpeas, similar to a traditional Baba Ghanoush.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like eggplant, chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil.
What oven temperature is required for roasting the eggplant?
You should preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) for roasting.
How long does it take to roast the eggplant?
The eggplant pieces should be roasted for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and tender.
Should I use white beans or chickpeas?
While the title mentions white beans, the ingredient list specifies a 15-ounce can of drained and rinsed chickpeas. Both work well for a creamy texture.
What equipment do I need to make this dip?
You will need a baking sheet with parchment paper for roasting and a food processor to blend the ingredients into a smooth dip.
How much olive oil is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of olive oil in the dip, plus additional oil for drizzling over the eggplant and for garnishing.
What size should the eggplant pieces be before roasting?
The eggplant should be trimmed and cut into approximately 2-inch pieces.
What type of lemon juice is recommended?
The recipe calls for the juice of one large lemon, which yields about 2 tablespoons of fresh juice.
How much tahini is needed?
You should use 3 tablespoons of tahini paste, though you can adjust this amount to your personal taste.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/3 cup of loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley.
How many garlic cloves are in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dip is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How do I achieve a smooth and creamy texture?
With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
What can I serve with this dip?
It is delicious served with crispy pita chips or fresh cucumber slices for a refreshing snack.
Can this dip be used as a sandwich filling?
Yes, this dip makes a sumptuous filling for pita sandwiches.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 2 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for a Mediterranean diet?
Yes, featuring ingredients like eggplant, olive oil, chickpeas, and tahini, it fits perfectly within a Mediterranean diet.
Do I need to peel the eggplant?
The instructions suggest trimming and cutting the eggplant, but peeling is optional depending on your preference for texture.
Should the eggplant be cooled before blending?
Yes, allow the roasted eggplant to cool slightly after removing it from the oven before adding it to the food processor.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Absolutely. After blending, you should taste the dip and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
What is the purpose of tahini in the recipe?
Tahini adds a nutty flavor and contributes to the rich, creamy texture of the dip.
Is this dip considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious snack or appetizer filled with fiber from the eggplant and protein from the beans/chickpeas.
Can I make this for a party?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for parties, picnics, or weekday lunches.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the eggplant from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 450 degrees F and position an oven rack in the middle.
Can I add more lemon juice?
Yes, you can add more lemon juice if you prefer a zestier hint of lemon.
Is cumin necessary?
While it calls for 1/4 teaspoon, cumin provides a classic earthy flavor that complements the roasted eggplant.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and drizzle it with extra olive oil for a professional presentation.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this recipe.