Baba Ganoush Is a Deliciously Savory, Smokey Eggplant Dip (2024)

FAQs

What is baba ganoush dip made of? ›

In its most basic form, baba ganoush is made with eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt. I found that adding a tiny bit of ground cumin, smoked paprika and fresh parsley takes it to the next level. Baba ganoush is similar to hummus, but it calls for grilled or roasted eggplant instead of chickpeas.

Rich, smoky flavor: The unique, smoky taste of Baba Ghanoush comes from roasting the eggplant, which gives it a deep, earthy flavor that people can't get enough of. Creamy texture: Baba Ghanoush has a smooth and velvety texture, making it a perfect dip for pita chips, vegetables, or as a spread in sandwiches and wraps.

What is baba ganoush? In Arabic, “baba” means father and “ghanoush” means spoiled. This “spoiled dad” dip is the creamier companion to hummus. Popular in Arab countries throughout the Middle East, it is also a common appetizer on the Sephardic Jewish table.

Yes, baba ganoush is healthy. The main ingredient is eggplant, which is low in calories and carbohydrates and high in fiber. It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin K. It's also lower in calories than hummus since it's mostly made of eggplant versus chickpeas.

In general, however, although you can gain more nutritional benefits from chickpeas than from eggplant, baba ganoush is healthier than hummus which is one major difference between baba ganoush and hummus. That is because 1 cup of chickpeas is equal to two or more eggplants.

I love to serve baba ganoush as an appetizer or snack.

It would go well with other dips like hummus or tzatziki, small bites like olives or feta, tabbouleh or Greek salad, and/or falafel.

Central to Baba Ganoush is the eggplant, charred to perfection to imbue the dip with its characteristic smoky flavor. Combined with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, the result is a richly layered dip that's both complex and comforting.

If you have an outdoor grill, that's the preferred method to make baba ganoush. The open flame imparts the best smoky flavor! If you don't have an outdoor grill, roasting your eggplants on a gas stovetop is the next best option.

Well, here is a fun fact, in Arabic Baba means father, and Ghanoush means spoiled 😋. The name says it all. This side dish came all the way from the Middle East to conquer your taste buds with an explosion of flavors and textures.

Baba Ghanoush is eaten in many Middle Eastern countries such as Syria, Lebanon and extending as far as the territorial reach of the Ottoman empire. But Baba Ghanoush also is big in Brazil and West India. Romanians and Greeks also consume the appetizer.

What is another name for baba ganoush? ›

Baba ganoush--also known as baba ganouj, muttabal, or salat hatzilim--is a smoky, rich, and creamy eggplant dip, traditionally made by mixing tender roasted (or charred) eggplant and nutty tahini with garlic, citrus, and spices.

In first place, the baba ghanoush from Whole Foods ($5.99/pound) had "good smoke and garlic notes." Tasters called it "smooth with some seeds for interest," and "well seasoned, with a nice hint of eggplant." One said it was "surprisingly good for the supermarket." Four would buy this brand and one might.

The inclusion of tahini adds a dose of healthy fats, primarily sesame seeds, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids, contributing to heart health. Garlic and lemon juice, also key components, offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Make-Ahead and Storage

The baba ganoush can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Let it come back to room temperature before serving.

What is the difference between hummus and baba ganoush? Both are popular delicious dips throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. But, they are two very different dips. While hummus is made of cooked chickpeas with tahini, garlic, and citrus, the star ingredient in baba ganoush is eggplant (grilled or roasted).

The inclusion of tahini adds a dose of healthy fats, primarily sesame seeds, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids, contributing to heart health. Garlic and lemon juice, also key components, offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.