Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush is a Middle Eastern dip primarily made of eggplant(aubergines), with the addition of pomegranate molasses and olive oil. There is a widespread debate on whether or not Baba Ganoush should contain Tahini or not.. and in most places, especially the West, Baba Ganoush always contains Tahini.

The Recipe Intro↓ has , more information as well as Related Links. Don’t forget to check it out.

 

Ingredients:

Eggplant (about 300 gms ) - I often use the longer, slender eggplants		One large
Red Onion (about half cup), finely chopped		Half of One
Green bell pepper, finely chopped or minced		¼ cup
Red bell pepper, finely chopped or minced		¼ cup
Pomegranate molasses		1 Tbsp (or more)
Salt		To taste
Flat-leaf parsley, chopped very very finely		1 - 2 Tbsp
Walnuts, chopped		2 Tbsp
Extra virgin or ordinary olive oil		As needed
Pomegranate seeds (for Garnish)		Optional (As needed)

Method:

1. You can cook the eggplant like for Mutabbal on an open flame(see below) OR I like to roast it in the oven sometimes too, as follows.
2. Rinse and pat dry the eggplants.
3. Place on greaseproof paper in an oven tray. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the paper.
4. Place in an oven with heat from above and below. Heat to 200ºc and place the tray nearer to the top heat element.
5. Optional – place a piece of live coal with a little oil poured on it on a piece of foil in the center of the tray. This gives the eggplant a smoked aroma.
6. Roast for 50 minutes – 1 hour, turning the eggplant halfway through.
7. When cool enough to handle, easily scrape off the flesh from the skin.
8. Add the flesh to a bowl and mash well with a fork.
9. Add salt to taste.
10. Stir in the minced onion and bell peppers.
11. Add walnuts, parsley, pomegranate molasses, and more salt if needed. Stir well.
12. Pour into a serving dish. Create a circular indentation a little inside the edges to form a stream for the olive oil
13. Add as much olive oil as you like. Garnish with pomegranate arils/seeds if you like.
14.  Serve with toasted or plain pita. I love it with wholemeal walnut bread.

Baba Ganoush

Notes:

• For simple Baba Ganoush: Simply use Roasted Eggplant, Salt, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice and chopped Parsley only.. 
• Homemade Pomegranate Molasses Recipe
• Mutabbal Recipe – Another Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip
• I had been advised by a friend from Lebanon long ago that the seeds should be removed before pureeing or it will be bitter, But I have never removed the seeds and they’ve never been bitter. Perhaps for some varieties of eggplant, this may hold true.Different varieties of eggplants will give slightly different textures when it comes to baba ganoush and mutabbal.

Key Ingredients: Eggplant, Pomegranate Molasses, Bell Peppers, Onion, Olive Oil, Parley, Salt.

EAT AND TELL!!! Let us know if you tried –  Baba Ganoush

Mail me your pics and testimonials 🙂 – recipesaresimple@gmail.com