Baba ganoush
Baba ganoush is a classic Levantine dish that has become a popular appetizer in many different parts of the world. It is a creamy and savory dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. The dish has a smoky flavor that comes from the roasted eggplant and is perfectly balanced by the acidity from the lemon juice. Baba ganoush is a simple dish to make, and it is perfect for serving at parties or as a snack for relaxing evenings at home.
The origin of Baba ganoush is unclear, but it is widely believed to have originated from the Levant region, which includes Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. The word “baba ganoush” is a combination of two Arabic words, “baba” meaning father and “ganoush” meaning pampered. According to some sources, baba ganoush was traditionally served to wealthy men as a delicacy, hence its name.
In Lebanon, baba ganoush is a popular dish that is consumed regularly, especially during the summer months. The dish is often served as an appetizer or a side dish, and it is typically eaten with pita bread or vegetables. Lebanese baba ganoush is known for its smooth and silky texture, which is achieved by removing the skin and seeds of the roasted eggplant. The dish is also seasoned with fresh parsley and mint, giving it a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
To make Lebanese baba ganoush, you will need a few simple ingredients. The star of the dish is the eggplant, which needs to be roasted until it is tender and slightly charred. You will also need tahini, which is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. Tahini is the perfect addition to baba ganoush as it adds a creamy and nutty flavor to the dip. Garlic, lemon juice, and salt are also essential ingredients that are used to give the dish its distinctive flavor.
The first step in making Lebanese baba ganoush is to roast the eggplant. To do this, you will need to cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and brush the cut side with olive oil. Place the eggplant halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 30 minutes or until they are tender and slightly charred. Once the eggplant is roasted, let it cool for a few minutes, then peel off the skin and discard it. Remove the seeds and chop the eggplant into small pieces.
Next, combine the chopped eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier dip, you can skip the food processor step and mash the ingredients together with a fork.
To finish the dish, add chopped parsley and mint to the baba ganoush and give it a quick stir. The herbs add a fresh and flavorful element to the dish, and they also help to balance out the richness of the tahini and eggplant.
Lebanese baba ganoush is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for serving to guests or enjoying as a snack at home. The dish is easy to make, and it requires only a few simple ingredients. The smoky flavor of the roasted eggplant and the nutty flavor of the tahini are perfectly balanced by the fresh herbs, making this dish a real crowd-pleaser. Once you try it, you will understand why baba ganoush has become such a beloved dish around the world.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley leaves, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: pinch of ground cumin, paprika or red pepper flakes for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Rinse and dry the eggplants. Using a sharp knife, make deep cuts in the eggplants to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Place the eggplants on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.
- Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the soft pulp into a bowl, discarding the skin and stem.
- Using a fork, mash the eggplant pulp until it is a smooth, consistent texture.
- Add the minced garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to the eggplant mash. Stir until the ingredients are well-combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You could add pinch of ground cumin, paprika or red pepper flakes for extra flavor, if desired.
- Transfer the Baba ganoush to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley leaves. Serve with pita chips or fresh vegetables. Enjoy your homemade Lebanese Baba ganoush!