Mediterranean > Middle Eastern > Mezze

Ashishim-Style Baba Ganoush Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 large eggplants
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- Grill or gas stove
- Food processor or blender

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the grill or gas stove to high heat.
2. Pierce the eggplants with a fork and place them directly on the grill or gas stove.
3. Cook the eggplants for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.
4. Remove the eggplants from the heat and let them cool for a few minutes.
5. Cut the eggplants in half and scoop out the flesh into a food processor or blender.
6. Add the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the food processor or blender.
7. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
8. Transfer the baba ganoush to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- High heat for grilling or gas stove
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- If you don't have tahini, you can use almond butter or peanut butter instead.
- If you don't have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or chili powder.

Variations:
- Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
- Add chopped fresh mint or cilantro for a fresh taste.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to char the eggplants well to get a smoky flavor.
- If you don't have a grill or gas stove, you can roast the eggplants in the oven at 400°F for 30-40 minutes.
- Let the baba ganoush sit for a few hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.

Storage instructions:
- Store the baba ganoush in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Serve the baba ganoush cold or at room temperature.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baba ganoush in a shallow bowl with pita bread or vegetables for dipping.

Garnishes:
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Pairings:
- Serve with hummus, tabbouleh, or falafel.

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or roasted potatoes.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baba ganoush is too thick, add a little bit of water or olive oil to thin it out.
- If the baba ganoush is too thin, add more tahini or eggplant to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the eggplants well before grilling or roasting them.

Food history:
- Baba ganoush is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with eggplant, tahini, and spices.

Flavor profiles:
- Smoky, nutty, tangy, and savory.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baba ganoush as an appetizer or snack.

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Region: Middle Eastern

Taste: Smoky, Tangy, Creamy, Nutty, Aromatic