Baba Ganoush: Authentic Middle Eastern and Closely Related to Hummus

Learn how to make Baba Ganoush which is very similar hummus. The basic difference is using eggplant instead of chickpeas.

I can’t believe all the different types of hummus there is available in the grocery store. Growing up with a Lebanese father, this dish was often at family gatherings and it’s really easy to make. But today I wanted to share a very similar dish called Baba Ganoush.

Baba Ganoush is similar to traditional hummus but it’s made with eggplants instead of chickpeas. You may have seen it listed on the menu at a Middle Eastern restaurant, but if you haven’t tried it you are in for a treat. 

 I like to grill  the eggplant so that the dip has a nice smoky flavor, but you can also bake it, which is nice, especially in the wintertime. We usually serve this dish with pita wedges, but you can certainly use carrot sticks or celery, if you want to go the low-carb route.  

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Baba Ganoush: Hummus’ Cousin

Ingredients

• 1 large or 2 medium eggplants
• 2 T Tahini paste
• 2 lemons
• 1 large clove of garlic
• salt

Instructions

1. Wash eggplants and grill on all sides until they become charred and soft
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before removing the skins.
3. Cut off the top and bottom and roughly chop the eggplant flesh.
4. In a food processor chop garlic.
5. Add eggplant, tahini paste, juice of 1-2 lemons and a pinch of salt.
6. Process until smooth add lemon juice or water until you get the desire consistency.
7. Place in serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika.
8. Serve with pita wedges.

Recipe Notes

You can cut the eggplant in half and bake instead of grilling them but you will not have the smoky flavor of the grill.
Variety the amount of garlic and lemon juice to your liking.
Sumac is the traditional topping, but I use paprika as it is readily available.