Easy Homemade Eggplant Dip (Baba Ganoush)
Dive into baba ganoush, the creamy, smoky dip that’s as fun to eat as it is to say! Originating from the Middle East, this dish turns the humble eggplant into a crowd-pleasing spread. It’s more than a dip; it sparks conversation and becomes the highlight of any snack table, especially when served with fluffy pita.
What makes eggplant dip stand out? Its irresistible blend of creaminess, smoky depth, and the perfect tang of lemon, all rounded off with a hint of garlic. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply a fan of delicious flavors, this eggplant masterpiece caters to everyone. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes! Let’s get into how to craft this delightful spread, ensuring your snack selection is anything but ordinary.
If you’re craving more dips, check out our vegan artichoke dip, plant-based cheese dip, oil-free hummus, and buffalo queso dip. This would also be perfect nestled up on a vegan charcuterie board, fit right in on this epic hummus board, and spread so nicely onto focaccia bread or crostini! For eggplant lovers, check out these eggplant tofu or eggplant parmesan recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Uncover the charm of this beloved eggplant dip recipe. Beyond its rich flavors, it brings a special homemade touch to snacking for one or feeding a crowd. Here are more reasons to love this eggplant spread:
- Simple Ingredients, Complex Flavors: This recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a gourmet experience. The blend of roasted eggplant, tangy lemon, and rich tahini promises a symphony of flavors. Try it with these quick pickled carrots, vegan pita bread, and this creamy white bean hummus dip for a deeply flavorful yet simple dinner or party spread.
- A Dip For Everyone: Catering to vegans and gluten-free diets, this eggplant dip is a nutritious choice for any meal. It’s low in calories yet high in flavor, making it a universal favorite. Serve with these easy almond flour crackers, air fryer broccoli, and other gluten-free recipes for a feast!
- Customizable to Your Palate: Whether you love extra garlic or a smoother texture, this recipe allows for adjustments. It’s the perfect base to explore and refine according to your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals: Prepare it in advance for a dip that only gets better with time. It’s an ideal choice for easy entertaining or quick weeknight snacks.
- Versatile Serving Suggestions: Spread it on toast, dip fresh veggies, or complement your main dishes. Baba ganoush’s versatility makes it a staple for any dining occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or need a potluck contribution, this eggplant dip is a certified hit. Its unique flavor and creamy consistency appeal to all ages and palates.
Key Ingredients
Discover the key ingredients that make our baba ganoush recipe a standout dish. Each component brings its unique flavor and texture, contributing to the dip’s creamy consistency and smoky taste.
- Eggplants: The star of the show, eggplants are roasted to perfection, lending a smoky depth and creamy texture to the baba ganoush. Their meaty flesh absorbs flavors beautifully, making them essential for the base of this Middle Eastern dip.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy contrast to the smoky eggplant, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish. It also helps balance the richness of the tahini and olive oil, providing a zesty kick that elevates the dip’s flavor profile. If you have any extra juice, make our lemon smoothie and get refreshed!
- Garlic: Brings a pungent, earthy aroma and a slight heat, which complements the smokiness of the eggplant wonderfully. It’s crucial for adding complexity to the dip, giving it a garlicky punch that’s irresistible.
- Tahini: This sesame seed paste introduces a nutty, creamy element to the dip, enriching its texture and flavor. While optional, we highly recommend adding it for depth and a hint of bitterness that balances the dish’s acidity and sweetness.
- Olive Oil: Contributes a fruity, peppery background note and helps create the silky-smooth consistency baba ganoush is known for. It also adds a layer of richness, making the dip more decadent and satisfying.
- Parsley: Finely chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dip. It’s the finishing touch that brings a burst of freshness, complementing the smoky and tangy flavors beautifully.
How To Make This Eggplant Dip Recipe
Making this recipe will take less than 30 minutes, promising to be a quick and easy vegan dip idea. Let’s get into the few steps it takes to go from char to star!
Step One: Char the Eggplant: Place eggplant on a grill pan, gas stove, or barbecue, turning often until blackened and charred, about 15 minutes. Remember to ventilate your kitchen!
Step Two: Transfer charred eggplants to a strainer to cool and drain off excess liquid. Slice lengthwise.
Step Three: Slice and Scoop:
Once cool, slice eggplants lengthwise and scoop out the soft flesh, discarding seeds.
Step Four: Mash and Mix:
Mash the eggplant flesh with lemon juice and garlic. Add tahini and olive oil, mixing to a creamy texture.
Step Five: Season and Serve:
Stir in parsley, adjust lemon juice, and salt to taste. Serve at room temperature.
How To Serve
Let’s get creative with baba ganoush, the dip that does more than just sit pretty on your snack table. This smoky, creamy delight is a social butterfly, ready to mingle with a variety of dishes and snacks. Here are some fun and fresh ways to serve it up, proving it’s not just a side dish but a versatile star:
- Pita, Meet Ganoush: Toasted pita bread is just begging for a dip into baba ganoush. It’s the kind of easy, no-fuss pairing that makes everyone happy.
- Veggie Platter Perfection: Brighten up a platter of raw veggies with a bowl of this eggplant dip. It’s like a veggie party, and baba ganoush is the guest of honor, bringing creamy, smoky vibes. Add our Pink Hummus, Artichoke & White Bean Spread, or Jalapeño Olive Hummus for a solid sidekick!
- Grilled Veggie Boost: Give grilled veggies a smear of baba ganoush for an instant flavor upgrade. It’s a smoky-on-smoky situation that’s surprisingly harmonious.
- Flatbread’s Best Friend: Spread it on vegan flatbread, add some arugula and a sprinkle of cherry tomatoes for a quick, fancy fix. Suddenly, you’re not just eating; you’re dining.
- Falafel’s New Pal: Pair it with falafel and watch how it turns these crispy delights into an explosive, flavorful experience. It’s a match made in culinary heaven.
- Quinoa Salad’s Secret: A scoop of roasted eggplant dip mixed into this quinoa salad can transform it from good to gourmet with just one stir. Who knew?
- Peppers with a Twist: Stuff these bell peppers, bake them, then top with baba ganoush for a dish that’s as satisfying to eat as it is beautiful to serve.
- Hummus Board Tag Up: Add it to a hummus board for a complementary flavor and feel. Jazz it up with veggies or create your own charcuterie board!
While it’s perfectly fine to use your baba ganoush as a dip, it’s perfectly fine to think outside the bowl and get creative with serving it!
FAQs
Baba ganoush is traditionally dairy-free, perfect for those following vegan or lactose-free diets. Made with roasted eggplants, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings, it’s a creamy dip without the use of dairy products, making it a heart-healthy choice for dipping and spreading.
Yes, baba ganoush should be refrigerated to maintain its freshness and flavor. After preparing or opening, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to five days, ensuring you can enjoy its smoky goodness over time.
Absolutely, baba ganoush is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Its primary ingredients, including eggplant, tahini, and spices, are all free from gluten, offering a safe, flavorful dish for gluten-free diets.
Roasted Eggplant Dip (Baba Ganoush)
Ingredients
- 3 eggplants, extra large
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed to a paste
- 1 tablespoon tahini, optional
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Place each eggplant directly over a gas flame on the stove, or place all three on a rack over a hot barbecue (the coals should be white). Cook, turning it often, until blackened, blistered, and charred. Each eggplant will take about 15 minutes. This is a smoky process, so open a window or use an extractor fan. Alternatively, heat the broiler to its highest setting, place the eggplants underneath, and cook until charred all over and completely collapsed.
- Transfer the cooked eggplants to a strainer set over a bowl or the sink and let drain and cool. When cool enough to handle, place on a board and slice open lengthwise, so they open like a book. Scoop out the soft flesh with a spoon, discarding any seedy pieces.
- Put the flesh into a bowl with 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice and the garlic and mash coarsely. Next add the tahini, if using, and olive oil, then mix and mash until you have a textured, creamy puree. Stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and add the rest of the lemon juice and the salt, if needed. The finished dip should be smoky, sharp from the lemon, and garlicky.
- The dip will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for a couple of days, but is best served at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
This Baba Ganoush Dip recipe is excerpted from the Leon: Fast Vegan cookbook by Octopus Books. Featured photo by Steven Joyce.
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Leave a Comment
I love Baba Ganoush! This seems like such a great recipe to make for a party, too 🙂
I never thought I would like anything with eggplant in it (my mom would faint if she knew I was eating eggplant now!), but I not only ate it, I liked it so much! The dip is really creamy and has such a great flavor. My favorite way to eat this is with cut up carrots, slices of red onion, pepperoncini and super soft pita bread. If you spread this dip on the inside of the pita, add some veggies (along with some spring mix and cucumbers), it’s so heavenly! The perfect filling, on-the-go lunch!
I am a big fan of eggplant , garlic and tahini, so together this is a winning spread/dip for veggies and/or pita bread. Easy to make and is a wonderful and different alternative to hummus.
The perfect side to serve with a hummus and veggie and pita platter!
Being an aubergine detractor, it means a lot for me to say that this spread is delicious! I love that I have an alternative to hummus when I’m feeling more crafty 🙂