Name: Easy Homemade Baba Ganoush Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-486091H23M18S
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 medium eggplants, pierced with a knife or fork; ¼ cup tahini; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving; 2 garlic cloves; ½ teaspoon sea salt; Finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish); Smoked paprika (for garnish); Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish); Pita bread, for serving; Fresh veggies, for serving

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Homemade Baba Ganoush recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy a traditional Middle Eastern dip. Roasting the eggplants enhances their natural smokiness, while the combination of tahini, garlic, and lemon juice creates a deliciously creamy base. The recipe is also vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a healthy snack, this baba ganoush will quickly become a favorite!

Ingredients

2 medium eggplants, pierced with a knife or fork
¼ cup tahini
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
2 garlic cloves
½ teaspoon sea salt
Finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Smoked paprika (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Pita bread, for serving
Fresh veggies, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Roast the Eggplants:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Wrap the pierced eggplants in foil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the eggplants are soft and collapse when touched.
- Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Eggplant Flesh:
- Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and discard any large clumps of seeds.
- Place the eggplant flesh in a strainer set over a bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes to drain any excess water.
Blend the Ingredients:
- Transfer the drained eggplant flesh to a food processor.
- Add tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and sea salt.
- Pulse until smooth and creamy.
Serve:
- Transfer the baba ganoush to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Drizzle with additional olive oil and serve with pita bread and fresh veggies.

For a smokier flavor, try grilling the eggplants instead of roasting them. Pierce the eggplants, place them on a grill over high heat, and cook, rotating until they are very soft and charred all over. Then, follow the rest of the recipe as directed.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus cooling time)
Cook time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Grill the Eggplants: For a more intense smoky flavor, grill the eggplants instead of roasting them.
Add Spice: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the baba ganoush mixture.
Switch up the Garnishes: In addition to parsley and smoked paprika, you can try garnishing with pine nuts, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of pomegranate molasses.
Make it Creamier: For a richer texture, you can add a little extra olive oil or a splash of water while blending the ingredients.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Baba ganoush can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: It’s best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer to serve it warm, gently heat it in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use other types of eggplants?

Yes, you can use any variety of eggplants for this recipe, but the larger globe eggplants work best for roasting and achieving the desired smoky flavor.

How long can baba ganoush be stored?

Baba ganoush can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. It may thicken slightly over time, so add a little extra olive oil or water when serving.

Is baba ganoush vegan?

Yes, baba ganoush is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.

What can I serve with baba ganoush?

Baba ganoush is often served with pita bread, fresh veggies like cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers, or crackers. It also pairs wonderfully with other Middle Eastern dishes like falafel or hummus.

Can I adjust the garlic flavor?

If you prefer a milder garlic taste, you can reduce the amount of garlic or roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the dip. Roasting garlic gives it a sweeter, less pungent flavor.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the baba ganoush to give it a spicy kick.

Can I freeze baba ganoush?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, baba ganoush can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I make baba ganoush without tahini?

While tahini adds a signature creamy texture and nutty flavor, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or another creamy ingredient, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I make baba ganoush smoother?

If you prefer an extra-smooth consistency, blend the ingredients for longer or use a high-speed blender to achieve a silky texture.

Can I use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic?

Yes, using roasted garlic will give the baba ganoush a sweeter, milder flavor. Just add a few roasted cloves instead of raw garlic.

Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Baba Ganoush recipe is the perfect combination of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors. It’s simple to make and pairs beautifully with a variety of dips and fresh sides. Whether you serve it at a party or as a healthy snack, it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family alike!

Easy Homemade Baba Ganoush Recipe

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Baba Ganoush is a rich and smoky Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplants. With a creamy texture and a burst of flavor from tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, this dip is perfect for serving with pita bread, fresh veggies, or as a snack.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus cooling time)
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Wrap the pierced eggplants in foil and place them on a baking sheet.
Roast for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the eggplants are soft and collapse when touched.
Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and discard any large clumps of seeds.
Place the eggplant flesh in a strainer set over a bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes to drain any excess water.
Transfer the drained eggplant flesh to a food processor.
Add tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and sea salt.
Pulse until smooth and creamy.
Transfer the baba ganoush to a serving dish.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
Drizzle with additional olive oil and serve with pita bread and fresh veggies.