This easy Baba Ganoush is a creamy roasted eggplant dip flavored with sesame, olive oil, lemon, and garlic. A lovely, healthy dip that's great for a snack or a party.
Easy Baba Ganoush
This easy Baba Ganoush recipe uses authentic Mediterranean flavors to create a simple, creamy dip. That somehow has no cream or dairy in it at all (which is the crazy part to me with how rich and creamy it is!).
It is healthy and naturally low carb and vegan. It is a delicious, nutritious snack and is still elegant and tasty enough to serve as an appetizer for company.
What is Baba Ganoush?
Baba Ganoush is a Mediterranean roasted eggplant dip. It usually contains roasted eggplant, olive oil, tahini, lemon, and seasonings.
What is the Difference Between Baba Ganoush and Hummus?
The primary difference between baba ganoush and hummus is that baba ganoush is made with roasted eggplants, and hummus is made with chickpeas (or garbanzo beans).
Other than that, they are fairly similar! They are both Mediterranean dips made with olive oil, tahini, and lemon.
They are both nutritious and delicious!
How to Choose the Best Eggplant
Picking out a great eggplant can be a bit overwhelming, as it's not an ingredient used regularly here in the US. Here are some tips to pick out great eggplant.
- Firmness - Eggplant should be firm, but not hard. If the eggplant feels soft, it's too ripe. It should have some give, but not be squishy like a tomato.
- Smooth and shiny - wrinkles are a sign that the eggplant is old and past prime. Brown blemishes and soft spots should be avoided, like most produce. A smooth and shiny and even-in-color eggplant is best.
- Small or medium - In the world of eggplant, bigger isn't better. In fact, large eggplant are the most bitter. So choose a small or medium one, which will have a softer flavor.
How to Serve Baba Ganoush
Baba Ganoush makes a yummy and nutritious snack, appetizer, or even light lunch. Serve it with veggies and pita bread or pita chips.
You can also serve it more elegantly as part of a crudité platter with vegetables such as carrots, bell pepper strips, and radish slices.
This dip doubles as a spread, as well. Spread it onto bread (or pitas) instead of mayo for a deeper, richer flavor on your favorite sandwich.
Baba Ganoush Recipe Variations
Grill or Roast the Eggplant Over an Open Fire.
You can also choose to leave your eggplant whole and roast with skins on over an open fire such as a gas stove or grill for an extra smoky flavor.
Turn on gas burner or grill to medium heat. 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.
Set eggplant in a colander and allow it to drain for about 5-10 minutes.
Baba Ganoush Flavor Variations
Without straying too far from the basic recipe to preserve its authenticity, here are some ideas to add different flavor.
- Roasted Peppers or Tomatoes - some regions include roasted tomatoes or peppers in their dip or to garnish it.
- Pomegranate molasses - sweetness is sometimes added using this ingredient. If you'd like to try it add ½ to 1 tablespoon. Taste test after ½ tablespoon to see if you'd like more.
- Plain yogurt - an equal amount of tahini and plain yogurt can be added to increase creaminess.
- Spices - Spices can be the easiest way to change up flavor. Try adding or garnishing with cumin, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes.
- Herbs - This recipe calls for parsley, but basil or cilantro can be substituted to change up the flavor.
More Cold Dip Recipes You'll Love
- Avocado White Bean Cilantro Lime - a bright, healthy dip that gets it creaminess from avocado and white beans and its bright flavor from cilantro, lime, and garlic
- Authentic Guacamole - perfectly seasoned creamy gaucamole loaded with tomato, jalapeno, onion, cilantro, and garlic.
- Creamy Black Bean Avocado Dip - tastier than it looks, this rich but bright dip is packed with flavor and healthy too!
- BLT Dip - all of your favorite sandwich ingredients in one dip!
- Easy Layered Taco Dip - layers of beans, seasoned sour cream, cheese, and all of your favorite taco toppings
Easy Baba Ganoush Video
Easy Baba Ganoush
Ingredients
To Prepare Eggplant
- 2 medium eggplants sliced into ½-inch rounds
- Olive oil for roasting and serving
- 1 teaspoon salt
To Assemble the Dip
- 2 garlic cloves
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup tahini
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplant.
- Place eggplant in a colander in the sink. Sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, rinse eggplant and pat dry.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange eggplant on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until eggplant is soft and golden brown.
- When cool enough to handle, peel away skin and place flesh into a food processor.
Prepare the Dip
- Add garlic, lemon juice, and tahini. Process until smooth.
- Add parsley and pulse to incorporate.
- Adjust salt to taste.
Serving
- Cover the baba ganoush and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.
- To serve, transfer the baba ganoush to a rimmed serving dish or a bowl. Top with a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, if you like.
Video
Notes
- Parsley: Cilantro or basil can also be used.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 4-6 days.
- Freezer Directions: Freezing baba ganoush can change its consistency and may cause separation, but you can freeze in an air tight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using. Pulse in a food processor to re-combine ingredients.
Nutrition
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Biana says
Looks delicious and simple to make! This will be great served with other appetizers.
Tawnie Kroll says
Yummmm! I love the sound of this dip. Perfect for the holidays coming up. Can't wait to make it!
Dijana says
This is such a good and delicious dip! I love all things Mediterranean, and this dip was no exception!
Cathleen says
I love baba ganoush, so this easy version was perfect for me. I am so glad I found this recipe, thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Claudia Lamascolo says
Wow I just love the flavor combination in this delicious ganoush not to mention its easy and super tasty!
Mirlene says
I love baba ganoush! Made this for my kids and had them with veggies to dip with. It was so delicious
Vicky says
You had me at garlic! Plus, I love the versatility of eggplant. This is a great dip to serve at a gathering with some pita or naan. Yum!
Dana Sandonato says
This is some fantastic baba ganoush. We absolutely loved it and polished the dish clean!
Gina Abernathy says
This is such a great and wonderful tasting dip. Made it last weekend and it disappeared fast.
Vanessa says
This dip is absolutely delicious! The best part is that it just so happens to be healthy too!
Sharon says
This baba ganoush is an easy and flavorful dip that can be made in no time. Perfect for an appetizer or snack.
Ana F. says
This roasted eggplant dip was a hit over the weekend with some friends! They were asking for the recipe lol! Can't wait to make it again!
Nathan says
This is a fantastic baba ganoush, so satisfying and garlicky! I'll be making this again the next time I need a snack for a crowd!
Tara says
My husband and I absolutely love Baba Ganoush! I had no clue how easy it was to make at home. I will never buy pre-made ever again. This is so fresh and tasty.
Kathryn Donangelo says
This dip is amazing and we ate it so fast! I love everything about it and it was easy to make. So glad I could make this easy app at home!