Smoky Baba Ganoush with Pine Nut Topping
Elevate your appetizer game with this smoky Baba Ganoush, also known as Caviar d'Aubergines. This creamy dip features roasted eggplant blended with zesty lemon juice and rich sesame tahini, offering a delightful contrast to the earthy flavors. Enhanced with fresh garlic and topped with toasted pine nuts, this dish not only tantalizes your tastebuds but also makes for a visually appealing presentation. Perfect as a dip for fresh veggies or warm pita bread, it’s an ideal addition to any gathering or a satisfying snack at home.
1
Servings
600
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
1.5 lbs (Whole, pricked with a fork)
Lemon juice
3 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Kosher or sea salt)
Minced fresh garlic
2 teaspoons (Freshly minced)
Sesame tahini
3 tablespoons (Stirred well before measuring)
Chopped parsley
1/4 cup (Fresh parsley, finely chopped)
Toasted pine nuts
1/2 cup (Optional, toasted)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (Extra virgin for drizzling)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prick the eggplants all over with a fork to prevent them from bursting. Place them on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender and the skin is charred.
3
Once the eggplants are done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Halve each eggplant and scoop out the flesh into a food processor, discarding the skins.
4
Add the lemon juice to the eggplant flesh and blend until smooth and creamy.
5
In a small bowl, mash together the salt and minced garlic into a paste. Add this mixture to the blended eggplant along with the sesame tahini and pulse to combine.
6
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and gently fold in the chopped parsley and toasted pine nuts, if using.
7
Before serving, drizzle the olive oil over the top for added flavor and visual appeal.
8
Enjoy your Baba Ganoush as a dip with tortilla chips or triangles of warm pita bread.
Nutrition Information
45g
Fat
30g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Baba Ganoush?
Smoky Baba Ganoush, also known as Caviar d'Aubergines, is a creamy Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant, lemon juice, tahini, and garlic.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include eggplants, lemon juice, salt, fresh garlic, sesame tahini, parsley, pine nuts, and extra virgin olive oil.
How do I prepare the eggplants for roasting?
Prick the eggplants all over with a fork to prevent them from bursting while roasting.
At what temperature should I roast the eggplants?
The eggplants should be roasted in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to roast the eggplants?
It takes approximately 30 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and the skin is charred.
Do I include the eggplant skin in the dip?
No, once roasted and cooled, you should halve the eggplants and scoop out the flesh, discarding the skins.
How do I achieve a creamy consistency?
Blend the scooped eggplant flesh with lemon juice in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
How is the garlic prepared for this recipe?
The garlic should be minced and then mashed with salt into a paste before being added to the eggplant mixture.
What is sesame tahini?
Sesame tahini is a paste made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds, commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Is this Baba Ganoush recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products.
Is this recipe suitable for a low protein diet?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as low protein.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 600 calories in the specified serving size.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 45g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dip provide?
This recipe provides 10g of protein per serving.
Are pine nuts required?
No, the pine nuts are optional, but they add a nice toasted flavor and visual appeal.
What kind of parsley should I use?
Use 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley.
What should I serve with Baba Ganoush?
It is delicious served as a dip with fresh vegetables, tortilla chips, or warm pita bread.
Why is olive oil added at the end?
Drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the top adds extra flavor and creates a more professional presentation.
What is another name for Baba Ganoush?
It is also frequently called Caviar d'Aubergines.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the eggplant and combine it with the tahini and garlic paste.
Should I stir the tahini before measuring?
Yes, it is recommended to stir the sesame tahini well before measuring to ensure a consistent texture.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What type of salt is best?
The recipe recommends using 1 teaspoon of kosher or sea salt.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, Baba Ganoush often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegetarian.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This specific recipe is scaled for 1 large serving or portion.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is associated with healthy eating and includes fresh vegetables and heart-healthy fats.
What type of cuisine is this?
This dish belongs to Middle Eastern cuisine.
What provides the smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from roasting the eggplants until the skin is charred.