Baba Ganoush — Smoky Eggplant Tahini Dip (serves 4)

Baba Ganoush (babaganuš, patlıcan ezmesi) is a Lebanese-Turkish meze of roasted eggplant, tahini and lemon — with a characteristic smoky, creamy flavor. Difference from hummus: baba ganoush uses eggplant as base instead of chickpeas.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 2 medium eggplants (~600 g)
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• Salt, white pepper
• Garnish: parsley, pomegranate seeds (optional), extra olive oil

Preparation (40 min)

Step 1 — Roast eggplant (30 min)

Roast eggplant directly over flame (gas burner), turning every 2-3 min, or in oven at 220°C for 25-30 minutes, until skin is charred and inside completely soft. Direct flame gives the characteristic smoky flavor.

Step 2 — Drain (10 min)

Cool eggplant enough to handle. Peel off skin (should come off easily). Place soft flesh in a strainer for 10 minutes to drain excess liquid — this is essential for thickness.

Step 3 — Mix (5 min)

Chop eggplant with a knife (rustic) or mash with a fork (classic — gives texture). In a bowl mix with tahini, grated garlic, lemon, half the olive oil, sumac, Aleppo pepper and salt.

Step 4 — Serve

Spoon into a shallow bowl, swirl with a spoon. Drizzle remaining olive oil, sprinkle parsley, pomegranate seeds (if using) and more sumac. Serve cold with warm lavash.

Tips

• Direct flame is the secret — without it, baba ganoush is just eggplant dip
• Drain 10 min — without it, too watery
• Vegan by default
• Storage: 3 days in fridge

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I roast eggplant in the oven?

Yes, at 220°C for 25-30 min. But you won't get the characteristic smoky flavor. Combination: roast in oven, finish 1-2 min over direct flame for smokiness.

Difference between baba ganoush and muhammara?

Baba ganoush = eggplant + tahini. Muhammara = red pepper + walnut + pomegranate molasses. Different vegetable, different profile.

Is it halal?

Yes, naturally halal and vegan. Our ingredients (tahini, sumac, Aleppo pepper) carry halal certificate.

Baba ganoush is proof that eggplant is the most versatile vegetable — from main course to meze, always impressive.