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4.8 from 408 votes

Baba Ganoush Recipe

Here is how to make the best baba ganoush, the smoky, rich, and extra creamy eggplant dip, packed with flavor thanks to tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Grilling the eggplant over open flame will give you the deepest flavor. And if you have the time, allow the dip to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. It will thicken and the flavors will meld. Be sure to watch the video and read the notes for additional tips!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Draining and resting time
1 hr
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 6 or more people
Calories: 866 kcal
Course: Appetizer , Condiments
Cuisine: Mediterranean , Middle Eastern

Ingredients

  • 2 Italian eggplants or small globe eggplants
  • 1/4 cup tahini paste I used Soom tahini
  • 1 lemon, juice of
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt, optional
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sumac
  • 3/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes, optional
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • Toasted pine nuts for garnish, optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. First, smoke or grill the eggplant. Turn one gas burner on medium-high. Place the eggplant directly over the flame. Using a pair of tongs, turn the eggplant every 5 minutes or so until it is tender and the skin is charred and crispy on all sides (20 minutes.) The eggplant should deflate and become super tender. supposed to. If you don't have a gas burner you can use a grill. You can also roast the eggplant in the oven (see notes).
  2. Remove the eggplant from the heat and transfer it to a large colander over a bowl. Allow it to sit and drain for a few minutes until fully cooled and all excess water has been drained (it helps if you open the eggplant up a bit and push on it with a knife or a spoon to help it release its juices).
  3. Once the eggplant is cool enough to touch, peel the charred crispy skin off (it should come right off). Discard the skin and the stem (don't worry if a few bits of the skin remain, that is just added flavor).
  4. Transfer the cooked and fully drained eggplant to a bowl. Use a fork to break it down into smaller pieces. Add the tahini paste, garlic, lemon juice, Greek yogurt (if using) salt, pepper, sumac, Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or a fork until well-combined.
  5. Cover the baba ganoush and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.
  6. To serve, transfer the baba ganoush to a rimmed serving dish or a bowl. Top with a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and toasted pine nuts, if you like. Serve with pita wedges or pita chips and veggies of your choice!

Notes

  • To roast the eggplant in the oven instead: heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Trim the eggplant and cut them in half, then salt it and allow it to "sweat out" excess water for about 30 minutes or so. Wipe it off, and arrange the eggplant on a lightly-oiled baking sheet, flesh side down. Roast for about 40 minutes or until very tender and cooked through. Allow the eggplant time to cool a bit, then using a spoon, scoop up the flesh and place it in a bowl. Follow the recipe from step #4. 
  • For best texture, mix the eggplant as directed using a wooden spoon or a fork rather than a food processor. This dip is meant to be creamy but on the rustic side with some texture. 
  • Store leftovers in a tightly-closed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 
  • Visit our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oils and spices. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 86.6kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 8.6g (3%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 5.6g (9%) Saturated Fat 0.8g (4%) Monounsaturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 0.1mg (0%) Sodium 204.4mg (9%) Potassium 250.2mg (7%) Fiber 3.3g (13%) Vitamin A 103.6IU (2%) Vitamin C 11.8mg (13%) Calcium 30.3mg (3%) Iron 0.8mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6or more people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 866

% Daily Value*

Calories 86.6kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 8.6g 3%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 5.6g 9%
Saturated Fat 0.8g 4%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 0.1mg 0%
Sodium 204.4mg 9%
Potassium 250.2mg 5%
Fiber 3.3g 13%
Vitamin A 103.6IU 2%
Vitamin C 11.8mg 13%
Calcium 30.3mg 3%
Iron 0.8mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.