Beaming Eggplant Spread Recipe
Eggplant spread, also known as Baba Ganoush, is a creamy and flavorful dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. It offers a rich, smoky flavor and a creamy texture, perfect for spreading on pita bread or using as a dip for vegetables. This versatile dish can be served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a mezze platter, making it a popular choice for gatherings and casual meals alike.
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Blender
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tahini sesame paste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, if desired.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully prick the eggplants in several places to prevent bursting while roasting.
- Place the eggplants on the prepared baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are very soft and collapsed. You can also roast them directly over an open flame on a gas burner for a smokier flavor.
- Once roasted, remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the charred skin and discard.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted eggplant flesh, minced garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Blend or process the mixture until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.
- Transfer the eggplant spread to a serving bowl. Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, paprika, or any other desired garnishes.
- Serve the eggplant spread with pita bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjusting Seasonings - Taste the eggplant spread and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. You can add more garlic, lemon juice, or spices to suit your taste.
- Texture and Consistency - If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the eggplant spread for a longer duration until it becomes creamy. For a chunkier consistency, pulse the ingredients briefly in the blender or food processor.