Baba Ganoush with Pita Bread

Baba ganoush is a smoky, creamy, Middle Eastern eggplant dip that's perfect for a party appetizer or a light lunch. It's made with roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. The eggplant is roasted until it's soft and tender, then scooped out and mashed with the other ingredients. Baba ganoush can be served immediately or chilled for later.

Baba ganoush is a classic Middle Eastern dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire, where it was served as a mezze, or appetizer. Baba ganoush is typically made with roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. The roasted eggplant gives the dish a smoky flavor, while the tahini adds a creamy texture. The lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper add brightness and depth of flavor. Baba ganoush is often served with pita bread or other dipping vegetables.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 45 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Eggplant
• Tahini
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a crisscross pattern.
3. Drizzle the eggplant with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast the eggplant in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and tender.
5. Remove the eggplant from the oven and let it cool slightly.
6. Scoop the flesh from the eggplant into a food processor.
7. Add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to the food processor.
8. Process the ingredients until smooth.

Why It Works

• Roasting the eggplant until it's soft and tender helps to develop its smoky flavor.
• Mashed eggplant has a creamy texture that is perfect for dipping.
• Tahini adds a nutty flavor and helps to thicken the dip.
• Lemon juice adds a bright and refreshing flavor.
• Garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper add depth of flavor.