Smoky Eggplant Tahini Dip
This Smoky Eggplant Tahini Dip, also known as Baba Ghanoush, is a classic Middle Eastern dish that promises a burst of flavor with each bite. The key ingredient, roasted eggplant, develops a rich, smoky flavor when cooked to perfection, blending beautifully with creamy tahini and zesty lemon juice. The addition of sautéed garlic infuses the dip with a warm, fragrant aroma, making it an irresistible appetizer. Serve it chilled with warm flatbread, crunchy pita chips, or crispy vegetables for a delightful starter or snack that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
50
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplants
2 (medium, washed and pierced)
garlic cloves
2-3 (finely minced)
tahini
1/3 cup (sesame paste)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
salt
3/4 teaspoon
olive oil
to drizzle (for garnish)
fresh parsley
to taste (minced, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the eggplants thoroughly and pierce the skin multiple times with a fork to prevent them from bursting during roasting.
2
Place the eggplants on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the skin is blistered and the flesh is soft and collapses when gently squeezed.
3
Once roasted, carefully remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool until manageable. Cut the eggplants in half and scoop out the soft pulp, discarding the skin. Place the pulp in a bowl and squeeze gently to remove any excess bitter juice.
4
Finely mince the garlic cloves and heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until lightly golden and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mash the garlic slightly before adding it to the eggplant mixture.
5
In the bowl with the eggplant pulp, add tahini, lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth, adjusting flavors to your liking.
6
For an extra touch, drizzle with a little olive oil and garnish with freshly minced parsley if desired.
7
Chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with warm flatbread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
Nutrition Information
3.5g
Fat
3.75g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Eggplant Tahini Dip?
It is a classic Middle Eastern dish, also known as Baba Ghanoush, made with roasted eggplant, creamy tahini, and zesty lemon juice.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is labeled with a vegetarian tag and contains no meat products.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 50 calories per serving of this Smoky Eggplant Tahini Dip.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for roasting the eggplants.
How long does it take to roast the eggplants?
The eggplants should be roasted for about 45 minutes until the skin is blistered and the flesh is soft.
Why do I need to pierce the eggplant skin?
Piercing the skin multiple times with a fork prevents the eggplants from bursting during the roasting process.
How much tahini is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of tahini, which is a sesame paste.
Should the garlic be raw or cooked?
The garlic should be finely minced and sautéed in a small amount of oil for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
How much lemon juice do I need?
You will need 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Why should I squeeze the eggplant pulp?
Squeezing the pulp gently helps remove any excess bitter juice before mixing it with other ingredients.
What is the fat content of this dip?
This dip contains 3.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the Smoky Eggplant Tahini Dip?
There are 3.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
The recipe provides 1.25g of protein per serving.
Does this recipe require salt?
Yes, the recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust it to your liking.
What are the suggested garnishes?
You can drizzle the dip with olive oil and garnish it with freshly minced parsley.
How long should the dip chill before serving?
It is recommended to chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What can I serve with Baba Ghanoush?
It pairs well with warm flatbread, crunchy pita chips, or fresh crispy vegetables.
How many eggplants are required?
The recipe requires 2 medium-sized eggplants.
What gives the dip its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from roasting the eggplants until the skin is blistered and the flesh is soft.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total: eggplants, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, salt, olive oil, and fresh parsley.
Is this dip considered a healthy snack?
Yes, one of the tags for this recipe is healthy snack, and it is low in calories.
Can I mash the garlic?
Yes, after sautéing the garlic, you should mash it slightly before adding it to the eggplant mixture.
What do I do with the eggplant skin after roasting?
The skin should be discarded after you scoop out the soft pulp.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, there is no sugar listed for this recipe.
Is there fiber in this dip?
The nutritional data for fiber is not specified in this recipe's records.
Is there any cholesterol in this dip?
The nutritional data for cholesterol is not specified, but the ingredients are plant-based.
What is the prep instruction for the parsley?
The fresh parsley should be minced and used to taste for garnish.
How do I know the eggplants are fully cooked?
The eggplants are done when the skin is blistered and the flesh collapses when gently squeezed.
What type of dish is this?
It is classified as an appetizer or a dip with Middle Eastern origins.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, the instructions suggest mixing thoroughly and adjusting flavors like lemon and salt to your personal preference.