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.

Black matte bowl filled with baba ganoush, topped with olive oil fresh parsley, and smoked paprika, surrounded by pita chips, radish slices, and carrot slices with a glass bottle of olive oil in the background

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.

Pita chip being dipped into a big black bowl full of baba ganoush

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.

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