Mutabbal
A Middle Eastern dip made with Eggplant, sesame paste (tahini), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. In some cases, thick yogurt is also added ( and sometimes) tahini is substituted altogether with the thick yogurt.
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Ingredients:
| Eggplant (about 300 gms ) - I often use the longer, slender eggplants | 1 large | |
| Tahini (sesame paste - see notes) | 1 Tbsp | |
| Thick Yogurt (optional) | 2-3 Tbsp | |
| Garlic, minced | 1 large clove | |
| Lime/lemon juice | 1 Tbsp fresh | |
| Flat leaf parsley OR Mint or a combination, chopped very finely | Handful of | |
| Paprika /mild chillipowder | ½ tsp | |
| Cumin powder | 1/8 tsp | |
| Extra virgin or OrdinaryOlive Oil | As needed | |
| Salt | To taste |
Method:
- If using the large, fat type of eggplant: Prick the eggplant in few places so the steam has someplace to go. ( If the eggplants are long and thin, I skip this step )
- Cook on the direct flame /grill till all sides are charred and blackened. Immerse in cool water to be able to peel easily and quickly.
- Put the peeled ‘flesh’ in a strainer for 15 minutes. This is to remove all excess liquid.
- Put in a food processor or blender with garlic. Pulse 2 -3 times.
- Add the tahini paste, yogurt (if using) and salt. Process/Pulse till desired consistency. ( I like it quite smooth).
- Stir in the lemon juice to taste. (I prefer very little)
- Pour into a serving dish. Create a circular indentation a little inside the edges to form a stream for the olive oil
- Pour a little olive oil along this indented part. Sprinkle the Paprika and Cumin if you like.
- I personally like a small sprinkling of coriander (1/8 tsp) with the paprika and cumin.
- Add the chopped fresh herbs and you’re ready to DIG IN. Serve with toasted or plain pita.
Mutabbal
Notes:
- Get Recipe for Homemade Tahini.
- Baba Ganoush 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. - Tahini Paste is available in Middle Eastern sections OF SUPERMARKETS . It can be made from sesame seeds. Get Recipe for Homemade Tahini.
- For Muttabal – I also like to add finely diced (deseeded tomatoes) as a garnish around the top. (maybe 1 small tomato)
Key Ingredients: Eggplant, Tahini, Yoghurt, Garlic, Spice, Lime, Salt.
EAT AND TELL!!! Let us know if you tried – Mutabbal
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