Smoky Roasted Eggplant Dip
This deliciously creamy dip, known as Baba Ghanouj, hails from the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East. Its smoky flavor profile comes from roasting the eggplants to perfection, giving it a unique depth that pairs wonderfully with pita bread or fresh vegetables. The combination of fresh lemon juice, rich tahini, and aromatic spices elevates the dish, making it a perfect appetizer for gatherings, a flavorful spread for sandwiches, or a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this baba ghanouj will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
8
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplants
3 (medium, split lengthwise)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (fresh)
tahini
3/4 cup
garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Split the eggplants lengthwise and brush the cut sides with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet.
2
Roast the eggplants in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until they are incredibly soft. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature.
3
Once the eggplants have cooled, scoop out the flesh using a spoon and discard the skins. Transfer the flesh to a colander and let it drain for about 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
4
In a food processor, combine the drained eggplant flesh with fresh lemon juice, tahini, minced garlic, salt, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
5
Process the mixture until it reaches a smooth and thick consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
6
Transfer the baba ghanouj to a serving dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Serve chilled or at room temperature with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as part of a mezze platter.
Nutrition Information
11.5g
Fat
13.75g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Roasted Eggplant Dip?
Smoky Roasted Eggplant Dip, also known as Baba Ghanouj, is a creamy Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplants, tahini, and spices.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 150 calories per serving.
Is Baba Ghanouj vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
What oven temperature is required for roasting the eggplant?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
How long should the eggplants roast?
Roast the eggplants for 20 to 30 minutes until they are incredibly soft.
How do I prepare the eggplants for the oven?
Split the eggplants lengthwise and brush the cut sides with olive oil, then place them cut-side down on a baking sheet.
Should I peel the eggplants before roasting?
No, roast them with the skins on and scoop out the flesh after they have cooled.
Why do I need to drain the eggplant flesh?
Draining the flesh in a colander for 20 minutes helps remove excess moisture to ensure a thick consistency.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
Olive oil is used both for roasting the eggplant and as an ingredient in the dip.
What gives the dip its smoky flavor?
The smoky profile comes from roasting the eggplants to perfection.
What is tahini?
Tahini is a rich paste made from toasted ground sesame seeds, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine.
How much tahini is used in this recipe?
This recipe requires 3/4 cup of tahini.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it uses 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What spices are included for seasoning?
The dip is seasoned with salt, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency?
Use a food processor to blend the eggplant flesh with the other ingredients until smooth and thick.
How long should the dip be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the best items to serve with Baba Ghanouj?
It pairs wonderfully with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as part of a mezze platter.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 11.5g of fat.
How much protein is in this dip?
There is 3.75g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 13.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I serve this dip warm?
The dip can be served chilled or at room temperature.
How many eggplants do I need?
The recipe calls for 3 medium eggplants.
What should I do with the eggplant skins?
The skins should be discarded after scooping out the flesh.
Is there any lemon in this recipe?
Yes, it uses 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
What if the dip is too thin?
Ensure you drain the eggplant for the full 20 minutes and use the specified amount of tahini to keep it thick.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, which can be adjusted to taste.
What is the category of this dish?
This recipe is categorized under Vegetable dishes.
Can this be used as a sandwich spread?
Yes, it makes a flavorful spread for sandwiches or a side for grilled meats.
Does this recipe require ground cumin?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin is used to add aromatic depth to the flavor.