Lebanese Baba Ganoush ~ Vegan Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients for baba ganoush? ›

Baba ganoush is a Mediterranean eggplant dip made from roasted or grilled eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Like hummus, it's delicious with pita or fresh veggies, but its silky texture and irresistible smoky flavor set it apart. This baba ganoush recipe is a must-try summer dip!

It appears in many guises throughout the Middle East, sometimes under its alternative name, moutabel. A Lebanese version omits the tahini, while in parts of Syria yogurt replaces it.

*A note about salt: Eggplant is naturally bitter and adding a generous amount of salt not only improves the flavor of the dip but helps curb the bitterness of the eggplant. So don't be afraid to add a bit more! Transfer the baba ganoush into a serving bowl.

Homemade baba ganoush can be stored in the fridge in a tight-lid container for about 4 days or so (some say up to a week, but mine never lasts that long).

Baba Ganoush is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Eggplants are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while tahini adds a dose of healthy fats and protein. This makes Baba Ganoush a heart-healthy choice that supports overall well-being.

Nasusin is known to fight free radical damage and inflammation and helps prevent cellular oxidative stress. Keep in mind, though, that nasunin is only found on the skin, meaning you have to include the skin in the Baba Ghanoush.

It is also a nickname for 'father' in some languages, and translates to "father" in the Arabic, Persian and Shona languages. In various Slavic languages “baba” means an “old lady” (as in the diminutive variation babushka).

Etymology. The word bābā in Arabic means 'father' and is also a term of endearment, while ġannūj could be a personal name. The word combination is also interpreted as "father of coquetry" or "indulged/pampered/flirtatious daddy" or "spoiled old daddy".

Baba ganoush is similar to hummus, but it calls for grilled or roasted eggplant instead of chickpeas. Both dips originated in the Eastern Mediterranean, and they're often served together with pita bread and raw, crisp veggies. You can use baba ganoush like you would hummus—as a dip or spread.

Baba Ghanoush may taste bitter due to factors like the choice of eggplant, insufficient roasting, or the use of too much garlic, lemon juice, or low-quality tahini.

Why do you soak eggplant in milk? ›

Milk is said to help draw out the bitterness in eggplant. Our recipe doesn't call for milk, but if you're worried that your eggplant will taste bitter, you can soak the slices in milk for 20 to 30 minutes. Drain and pat them dry before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

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.

Consumption Window: Generally, baba ganoush maintains its quality for 3-5 days when refrigerated properly. Indicators of Spoilage: Spoilage can be identified by off-odors, a change in color, or the presence of mold. If these signs are evident, the baba ganoush should not be consumed.

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.

3) Health – Both dishes are very healthy, but baba ganoush has a slight edge here with more vitamins from the eggplant and a lower calorie count. 4) Big meal to come – Get baba ganoush, it's less filling than hummus.

One main difference between baba ganoush and hummus is baba ganoush's main ingredient, which is eggplant. In hummus, chickpeas are the primary ingredient. Although the difference seems simple, it makes a huge difference in the taste. Baba ganoush has an earthy taste while hummus has a more nutty tone.

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. In Israel, it is known as eggplant salad, or Salat Hatzilim.