Gorgeous creamy baba ganoush that's so simple to make before you start dunking everything from fresh vegetables to all kinds of pita bread, absolutely delicious!

This naturally vegan appetizer is a part of Lebanese cuisine, home to Middle Eastern families and now a worldwide appetizer. As with most classic dishes the recipe varies slightly from region to region but fundamentally made with mushy roasted eggplant.

A long time friend of ours spoils us with many Turkish gifts as well as entertaining us in Turkish restaurants whenever we're together for the best food experiences! So making this creamy baba ganoush recipe was long time overdue and I'm very happy to be sharing it with you????

I love food and even more the history of food. Understanding food, preparation and the people behind it allows us to eat with love and respect therefore enjoying every mouthful. It's also a healthy nutritious vegetable to enjoy.

So What Is Baba Ganoush?

The origin is Lebanon, where is Lebanon? In the middle east which covers countries such as Turkey, Israel, Palestine, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Jordan. Baba ganoush is made using eggplant and you can grill it, oven bake or fire it up over an open flame. Open flame as in if you have a gas stove you can hold it over the flame until roasted, takes about 20 minutes depending on how big they are. This method of roasting them gives you a lovely smoky flavor but all roasting methods work.

Add tahini, salt, seasoning, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic and I made two changes to this wonderful classic - our smoky Involtini spice and a tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt, it just really, really works!

Is It The Same As Hummus?

In terms of cultural cuisine yes, they are both middle eastern, how good is this cuisine! Difference being that a classic hummus is made with chickpeas and baba ganoush with eggplant. Both are dips, delicious, versatile and mainly used as part of a mezze/antipasti/appetizer.

Let's Make Some Baba Ganoush

In a basic form of a baba ganoush recipe the ingredients are eggplant, tahini, lemon, garlic, olive oil and salt. I am all about traditional recipes but hey, I am even more about seasoning and spices! I found that the taste goes up ten notches when I added some of our Involtini Spice which adds it's own smoky cumin paprika and meaty flavors that are quite honestly ridiculously good!

TIP: Be generous with the lemon and salt, it makes a difference.

Once your eggplants have been roasted into a soft collapsible state of beauty and deliciousness they are ready for the baba ganoush. You can find the roasted eggplant recipe here and this can add to your list of dip recipes! Aren't they always wonderful to have? They can turn a simple bite into a lavish meal or side snack, they're quick to make, easy and always impressionable. My favorite dip recipes are the ever so easy and popular ones like guacamole, hummus, red pepper and mascarpone. Oh now I can think of so many more so if you're looking for ideas, take a look at these dip recipes.

From My Kitchen To Yours Tips

Try and stay true to the tradition by following the recipe as closely as you can
No need to cut the eggplant the idea is roast it whole. As long as you use a fork to poke holes randomly throughout the eggplant it will not explode.
Use foil on the baking tray it help with clean up!
Once the eggplants are roasted and have cooled down you cut it open lengthways and use a spoon to scoop the inside.
Use a bowl and a strainer/colander and let them sit a good 15 to 20 minutes and you will see all the liquid in the bottom of the bowl.
The above point is not mandatory but it is suggested if you have the time.

Why You Are Going To Love This Baba Ganoush

Very delicious
Smokey and slightly nutty
Simple, few ingredients
Versatile
Vegan
Delicious and creamy

TIP: If you want a smoother consistency you can use a food processor however, to have more of a classic baba ganoush you can use a fork to mix it all up. If you like it smooth or textured is a personal choice, the point is to enjoy it!

Baba Ganoush Serving Suggestions

Serve with grilled chicken, your favorite salad and a bowl of your creamy baba ganoush.
As a sauce or dip for veggies, rice, meat (especially good with lamb chops!)
Spread onto toast, a sandwich or even combined into a sandwich with another spread
As a dip on a mezze platter with other veggies
Try it with some scrambled tofu or eggs too

If you try this Baba Ganoush Recipe, feel free to leave me a comment and a star rating! And if you take a photo of your baba ganoush and share it on Instagram, please tag me @anosmickitchen and use the hashtag #anosmickitchen because I simply love seeing your remakes! Happy cooking!????

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