Baba Gannoujh Middle Eastern Eggplant Spread
Smoky, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful, Baba Gannoujh is a classic Middle Eastern eggplant spread that brings vibrant, authentic flavors to your table. Made by roasting whole eggplants until perfectly tender, the smoky flesh is blended with tahini, garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of cumin for a smooth and luscious dip. Olive oil enhances its rich texture, while optional garnishes like smoked paprika, fresh parsley, and pomegranate seeds add a pop of color and complementary flavors. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or a snack, this versatile spread pairs beautifully with warm pita, crunchy crackers, or crisp vegetable sticks. Ready in under an hour, this fusion of smoky and tangy flavors is sure to be a standout on your mezze platter or at your next gathering.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 medium garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Wash the eggplants and poke several holes in the skin with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Place the eggplants on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.
Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool until you can handle them comfortably.
Slice the eggplants open and scoop out the flesh using a spoon. Discard the skin.
Place the eggplant flesh into a food processor or a mixing bowl if using an immersion blender.
Add the tahini, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, and salt to the eggplant. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer the Baba Gannoujh to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and garnish with smoked paprika, fresh parsley, and pomegranate seeds if desired.
Serve the Baba Gannoujh with warm pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
354 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.3 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1236 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.4 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.9 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | ||
| Protein | 11.2 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3514 mg | 270% | |
| Iron | 16073.5 mg | 89297% | |
| Potassium | 346 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
