Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush is a great Middle Eastern dip to whip up when you need some snack-love to see you through the day. And with aubergines at their very best right now it’s the perfect time to get ganoushing!

I remember the very first time I tried Baba Ganoush.

It was probably 20 years ago and I fell in love with the name before I even knew what it was!

For those that haven’t crossed paths with Baba Ganoush before, it is a silky smooth dip originally from the Middle East.

It would normally be served as part of a meze, or spread of little bowls of various, much like the Spanish Tapas.

Baba Ganoush is made by charring & removing the skin of an aubergine and then mixing the flesh with garlic, tahini, lemon juice and seasonings.

It tastes amazing and is perfect served with some crusty sourdough bread or fresh crudites to dunk in.

I grilled my aubergines over the ember of Jonny’s breakfast fire last time he had some mates over camping in the woods.

Whilst they lend the Baba Ganoush a lovely smoky flavour, you don’t need to build a campfire in the garden!

Add in a little smoked paprika if you want a smoky taste with none of the effort, and cook them under a hot grill.

Serve this tasty little dip up with some flatbread or a crusty loaf, on top of a jacket potato, or a fresh vibrant salad and some cured meats if the feeling grabs you.

Or you could do as I did and just sneak a finger-full every time your pass the fridge ;)

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Baba Ganoush

Calories: 540 kcal

Author: Jane Sarchet

Ingredients

• 2 aubergines
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 level tbsp tahini
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon - juice only
• 1 tbsp parsley - chopped
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin - plus a little more to serve
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Pierce the aubergines on a plate and place into the microwave. Cook on high for about 10 minutes, or until they go soft and sink.

   Alternatively, you can cook the aubergines over a campfire, BBQ or under a grill until the skin blackens & blisters and the flesh sinks.

2. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin from the flesh. Don’t worry if a little bit remains, but try to get as much off as possible.

3. Place the aubergine flesh into a blender along with all the other ingredients.

   Blitz together until smooth.

4. Taste a little and adjust the seasoning as necessary, then cover and chill until needed.

Nutrition Facts

Baba Ganoush

Amount Per Serving

Calories 540 Calories from Fat 288

% Daily Value*

Fat 32g49%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Polyunsaturated Fat 4g

Monounsaturated Fat 21g

Sodium 1190mg52%

Potassium 2325mg66%

Carbohydrates 67g22%

Fiber 31g129%

Sugar 35g39%

Protein 11g22%

Vitamin A 587IU12%

Vitamin C 85mg103%

Calcium 141mg14%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Do you love baba ganoush? If so, what do you tend to serve it with?

And if you need more aubergine inspiration, check out my fun Griddled Baby Aubergine & Goats Cheese Towers!

Janie x