Why We Love This Baba Ganoush Recipe
If you are a fan of traditional hummus, chances are you will also love Baba Ghanoush! This savory and delicious Lebanese eggplant dip is popular all over the Middle East—and the world! Authentic baba ganoush consists of roasted eggplants and garlic, tahini sesame paste, lemon juice, and spices. It can be prepared in a chunky fashion, but can also be puréed until it’s completely smooth and creamy, similar to hummus. (But not exactly… More on that below!) Since eggplant can be polarizing for some people due to its slimy texture, I prefer to completely purée it until it’s smooth and silky. Therefore, this baba ghanoush recipe does make a dip with more of a hummus-like texture. However, if you prefer a little bit of chunky texture, you can simply pulse the baba ghanoush but not fully purée it. That will leave some eggplant clumps for you to enjoy! Whether you prepare it chunky or smooth, this dip is delightful for scooping up with all kinds of crunchy dippers – or even to use as an eggless, dairy-free, gluten-free, and totally plant-based spread on sandwiches and more!
Baba Ganoush vs Hummus
Both are creamy, Mediterranean, plant-based dips… So, what exactly is the difference between baba ghanoush and hummus? While they have several of the same ingredients, like garlic and tahini paste, it is the main ingredient that sets these two Middle Eastern dishes apart. Baba ganoush is a dip primarily made of roasted eggplants, while hummus is primarily made of puréed chickpeas or even white beans.
Ingredients You Need
Eggplant – 2 pounds, which is roughly 4 medium-sized eggplants Garlic – a whole head Olive oil – you can use another oil like avocado oil, but extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) really is the best way to go if you can Tahini – a thick paste made from sesame seeds Lemon juice – fresh squeezed is best, but bottled will work in a pinch Salt – just a bit to balance the flavors Ground cumin – an earthy, savory spice often used to add a smoky flavor to traditional Middle Eastern recipes
How to Make Baba Ghanoush
Roasted Eggplant Dip Add-Ins
Feel free to include all kinds of other extra savory or even spicy goodies in this easy eggplant dip recipe! Here are a few of our favorite add-ins and toppings:
Smoked paprika Ground coriander Chili pepper Crushed red pepper flakes Harissa powder Fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme Ground sumac Fresh lemon zest Chopped fresh parsley Toasted sesame seeds
Suggestions for What to Eat with Baba Ganoush
This baba ghanoush recipe is terrific to make as a dip for parties and potlucks! Serve with crunchy pita chips, toasted soft pita bread, other flatbread, or communion bread. And you can’t go wrong with a plate of fresh cut vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumber slices, and bell pepper pieces. Also enjoy with low carb cauliflower crackers for a totally gluten-free snack or appetizer. It’s delicious as a spread on sandwiches, wraps, gyros, and burgers! And you can even add a scoop to Middle Eastern-inspired salads, rice bowls or grain bowls.
Looking for More Plant-Based Snack Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
Roasted Poblano Avocado Dip Zesty Roasted Beet Hummus Best Homemade Bean Dip Creamy Avocado Edamame Hummus Magic All-Purpose Cashew Cream (Vegan!)
Share This Recipe With Friends!
