Baba Ganoush

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Baba ganoush is a Middle Eastern dip that is ultra-creamy, smoky, and addicting! Made from roasted eggplants and seasoned with tahini, garlic, and spices, this velvety spread makes the perfect appetizer or snack. Enjoy it with warm pita bread, crisp vegetables, wraps, sandwiches, and more.

 💜 Why you’ll love this recipe

• Healthy for you: Eggplants are packed with vitamins, minerals, and a particular antioxidant, nasunin, that helps prevent cell damage from free radicals.
• Versatile: This dip is perfect for serving at parties, as a snack, or as part of a mezze platter. Seriously, what can’t it do?!
• Easy to make: With surprisingly few steps, this delicious dip is ready to enjoy!
• Vegan-friendly: Baba ganoush is not traditionally made with animal products, meaning is suitable for those following a vegan diet.

If you love baba ganoush, you should really check out our homemade hummus recipe, beet hummus, vegan tzatziki, lemon herb tahini, and lemon tahini dressing.

🍆 What is baba ganoush?

Baba ganoush (aka baba ghanouj, baba ghanoush, or mutabbal) is a dip traditionally included in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It normally consists of grilled or roasted eggplant, olive oil, garlic, lemon, tahini, and savory spices.

It shares a lot of similarities with its more popular counterpart, hummus. The difference is that baba ganoush gets its creaminess from a base of roasted or grilled eggplant instead of chickpeas.

Once everything comes together, baba ganoush has a smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy taste. It’s typically served with warm pita bread, but it can also be used as a spread on sandwiches, as a dipping sauce for vegetables, or as part of a meze platter.

🏆 Best eggplants for baba ganoush

Creating the perfect baba ganoush starts with selecting the best eggplants! Here are the top picks to make this creamy, dreamy dip:

• Globe eggplants: These are the most common variety and work well for baba ganoush. Choose small-medium globe eggplants for the best texture.
• Italian eggplants: Slightly smaller and sweeter than the globe variety, Italian eggplants lend a unique flavor profile to the dish.
• Japanese eggplants: While these are long and slim, they roast beautifully and add a nice sweet flavor to baba ganoush.
• Chinese eggplants: This variety is very similar to Japanese eggplants and can be used interchangeably.
• White eggplants: White eggplants are less bitter than their purple counterparts, so they can add a mild and subtly sweet flavor to your dip.
• Indian eggplants: These are small but flavorful! You’ll need a few more for this dip due to their size.

Remember, no matter the type, choose eggplants that are firm and heavy for their size for the best results.

🌱 Is baba ganoush vegan?

Baba ganoush is naturally vegan, as it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. The main components of this dish — eggplant, tahini, and spices — are all plant-based, making it a perfect option for those following a vegan diet.

🛒 Ingredients & substitutions

• Glob eggplant: Lends a smoky flavor and creamy texture to the dip. You can also try any of the other varieties listed above for a slightly different taste and texture.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and flavor to the dish, plus a dose of heart-healthy fats. You could use avocado or grapeseed oil instead, but the flavor will vary slightly.
• Smoked paprika: Helps achieve a signature smoky baba ganoush flavor without the need for a barbecue. You can replace it with regular paprika, but the smoky element will be less pronounced.
• Lemon juice: The tangy acidity from lemon juice balances out the richness of the other ingredients. Lime juice or vinegar will also work in a pinch.
• Tahini: Adds nuttiness and creaminess to the dip. Make sure you’re using runny tahini typically found in Mediterranean markets. Some of our favorite brands include ARZ Fine Foods, Tamam, Alkanatar, Baron’s, Okka, and Soom.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a savory, zesty kick. If you’re not a fan of raw garlic, you can use garlic powder or roasted garlic as an alternative.
• Parsley: This herb adds a touch of freshness and color to the baba ganoush. You can also use cilantro or mint for a different flavor profile.
• Salt & pepper: Help bring out the flavors in the dip. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 How to make baba ganoush

Step 1: Prepare the eggplant

While your oven is preheating, slice the eggplant, and season the slices with salt to draw out excess water. This step helps ensure a rich and creamy baba ganoush. We don’t suggest skipping it!

Step 2: Season and bake the eggplant

Once the eggplant looks nice and sweaty, pat the slices dry, then transfer them to a lined baking sheet. Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and smoked paprika, then bake them until they’re tender and slightly charred.

Step 3: Mash the ingredients

After peeling the cooled eggplant, pulse it with the remaining seasonings until the consistency is to your liking. You can also mash the eggplant with the other mix-ins if you prefer a chunkier texture.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Transfer the baba ganoush to a bowl and add your favorite garnishes before serving with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables. Happy eating!

If you have questions about this baba ganoush recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🥒 What to serve with baba ganoush

Whether you’re making this baba ganoush for an afternoon snack or to be part of a meze platter, you’ll need some sides! Here are some ideas to try out:

• Fresh veggies: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, celery, bell peppers, artichokes, and radishes.
• Fruits: Fresh or dried figs, olives, grapes, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Bread: With warm pita bread, dairy-free bread, or sourdough bread. Baba ganoush is a revelation on sandwiches and wraps!
• Proteins: Smeared on some vegan chicken, grilled marinated tofu, or falafel.
• Vegan cheese: Vegan goat cheese, mozzarella, or tofu feta.

🌡️ Storage & reheating

In the unlikely event that you end up with leftover baba ganoush, here’s what to do:

• Fridge: You can store baba ganoush in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving it again.
• Reheating: Baba ganoush is delicious cold, but if you prefer it warm, reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Alternatively, microwave it for 30-60 seconds until warm.
• Prep ahead: You can roast the eggplant in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before making the dip. Just blend or mash everything when you’re ready to eat!

♻️ Variations

• Spices: Include a spoonful of za’atar for an earthy, herby taste. Or, try sumac for a bright, tangy element.
• Add-ins: Incorporate roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, colorful twist.
• Spicy: Stir in some muhammara, harissa, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Grilled: Use a grill or open flame on a gas stove if you have one to achieve a more traditional smoky and charred flavor. Roast the eggplants whole, then simply peel the skin off before combining it with the other ingredients.

🧑‍🍳 Top tips

• Choose the right eggplant: Opt for a firm, heavy eggplant with smooth, shiny skin. Remember, the smaller the better!
• Don’t skip salting: No one wants to end up with watery baba ganoush! Don’t forget to let the eggplant rest after salting to remove excess moisture.
• Achieve a charred flavor: Don’t skip broiling the eggplant for a deeper, smoky flavor, especially if you don’t own a grill or gas stove!
• Let it rest: After you’ve mixed your baba ganoush, let it chill in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavors time to develop.
• Make it your own: Experiment with different garnishes, like toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs, and spices, to add a unique color and texture to the dish.

💬FAQ

🍴 More flavor-packed recipes

If you enjoyed this baba ganoush, check out a few more of our favorite vegan recipes for flavor inspiration:

• Vegan Pasta Salad: A simple side dish made completely plant-based.
• Couscous Salad: Quick and healthy recipe that’s full of vibrant colors and flavors. 
• Moroccan Chickpea Stew: North African-inspired stew made with hearty ingredients.
• Chickpea Fries: Popular snack from the South of France.
• Vegan Chickpea Salad: Made with fiber-rich chickpeas and Mediterranean mix-ins.

Note: We’ve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.