Eggplant Dip (Baba Ganoush)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds eggplant roughly 2 small-to-medium eggplants
- 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed, about 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup tahini ground sesame seed paste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tsp. olive oil divided
- Salt to taste
- 2 Tbs. parsley fresh, chopped for garnish (optional)
- 2 tsp. sesame seeds toasted, for garnish, optional
- Dash of ground cumin and/or smoked paprika optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, or oil pan lightly.
- Halve the eggplants lengthwise and brush cut sides lightly with 2 tsp. olive oil. Place in pan, cut sides down, and roast eggplants until the interior is very tender and the skin is collapsing (about 35 minutes). Set aside to cool.
- Flip the eggplants over and scoop out the flesh with a large spoon and discard the skin. Place flesh into a strainer to drain for a few minutes and remove extra moisture. Transfer to a cutting board and rough chop.
- Place chopped eggplant in a mixing bowl or blender for the final mixing. Add lemon juice, tahini, garlic cloves and salt. Mash vigorously with a large fork (mixing bowl) or pulse several times (blender) to combine ingredients. The final consistency should be smooth, not runny, with some texture.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with remaining 1 tsp. of oil. Add optional spices for a smoky taste and garnish with sesame seeds and parsley (also optional). Serve with warmed pita and/or sturdy, raw veggies.