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- By Dave Bell
- Updated on Jan 21, 2021
Checked for accuracy by James LeBaigue MSc
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![Authentic Baba Ganoush - The Original Eggplant Dip (Aubergine Dip) (2) Authentic Baba Ganoush - The Original Eggplant Dip (Aubergine Dip) (2)](https://i0.wp.com/hurrythefoodup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Baba-Ganoush-5.jpg)
Baba Ganoush. Even the name is cool. Strictly speaking, it’s eggplant dip or aubergine dip, but really it’s so much more.
This Baba Ganoush recipe is smoky, soft and delicious. Hailing from the Arab and Levantine (Eastern Mediterranean) world, it’s also known as Baba Ghanoush and Baba Ghanouj.
Like hummus, this middle eastern recipe is based on tahini, garlic and a sprinkle of paprika, making it explode with flavour.
The name apparently derives from a daughter who made a pulpy mash for her toothless old father – what can I say – toothless or not, he was treated well with this one!
What’s in a name? – Eggplant Dip vs Aubergine Dip
As if the name for the dip wasn’t varied enough, the vegetable itself changes names across the English-speaking world.
In Canada, the US, and Australia, the venerable veggie is known as an eggplant.
Across the water, in little ol’ Britain they know them as aubergines, and give confused looks to strangers who ask for eggplants.
‘What?! Eggs in a plant! Impossible, you crazy fool!’ is the reply you’ll likely get for asking.
But regardless of whether you call this an eggplant dip recipe or an aubergine dip recipe, you still need to know what you’re looking for in this Baba Ganoush / Baba Ghanoush.
![Authentic Baba Ganoush - The Original Eggplant Dip (Aubergine Dip) (3) Authentic Baba Ganoush - The Original Eggplant Dip (Aubergine Dip) (3)](https://i0.wp.com/hurrythefoodup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Baba-Ganoush-1.jpg)
![Authentic Baba Ganoush - The Original Eggplant Dip (Aubergine Dip) (4) Authentic Baba Ganoush - The Original Eggplant Dip (Aubergine Dip) (4)](https://i0.wp.com/hurrythefoodup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Baba-Ganoush-2.jpg)
![Authentic Baba Ganoush - The Original Eggplant Dip (Aubergine Dip) (5) Authentic Baba Ganoush - The Original Eggplant Dip (Aubergine Dip) (5)](https://i0.wp.com/hurrythefoodup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Baba-Ganoush-3.jpg)
Feeling fruity? How to pick the right aubergines or eggplants for your dip
- Pick an eggplant up and give it a squeeze – it should be firm, but not rock hard. If it’s squishy or you can easily press your finger into it then it’s a big no, no, no!
- Heavy is good – if you’re slightly surprised by the weight of a particular eggplant, you’re probably onto a winner. As long as it follows the rest of the rules, heavier = better.
- Taut, shiny and glossy – that’s how the skin should be. Dull, wrinkled, blemished, damaged = not good. Avoid!
- Stick with small to medium aubergines. Larger aubergines can be (but are not always) more bitter, so stay smaller to be sure.
- Use quickly – eggplants have a fairly short usage life, and the quicker you eat them the less bitter they are. Store in the fridge and try this fabulous aubergine recipe within a day or two of purchase.
Follow those tips and only the finest, most edible aubergines will make it to your table.
![Authentic Baba Ganoush - The Original Eggplant Dip (Aubergine Dip) (6) Authentic Baba Ganoush - The Original Eggplant Dip (Aubergine Dip) (6)](https://i0.wp.com/hurrythefoodup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Baba-Ganoush-6.jpg)
Health benefits of eggplants
We don’t feature aubergines/eggplants all that often on Hurry The Food Up, which is silly really, as they’re pretty spectacular from a nutritional point of view. Plus, vegan eggplant recipes are pretty popular!
Eggplants contain Nasunin, a phytonutrient with antioxidant properties which seems to protect brain cell membranes from damage from free radicals.
These lovely veggies are full of nutrients which seem to have some good evidence behind them for helping to keep us healthy.
High in fibre and low in calories, eggplants are also a great addition to your diet if you’re trying to lose weight.
What’s not to like? That daughter did good.
![Authentic Baba Ganoush - The Original Eggplant Dip (Aubergine Dip) (7) Authentic Baba Ganoush - The Original Eggplant Dip (Aubergine Dip) (7)](https://i0.wp.com/hurrythefoodup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Baba-Ganoush-4.jpg)
Baba Ganoush recipe FAQ’s
We’ve answered some of the most common questions about this roasted eggplant recipe below, but if you have others just let us know in the comments section.
Is this vegan baba ganoush?
Yep, our baba ganoush recipe is a completely vegan dip (and one of our favorite vegan mediterranean recipes).
Is it baba ganoush keto?
Thanks to the fact that it’s fairly low in carbohydrates, this recipe should be suitable for anyone eating keto (it’s one of our fave veggie keto recipes!).
How long does eggplant dip last?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week in your fridge.
Will it freeze?
Yes, but we do recommend eating this baba ganoush recipe fresh if possible to experience the rich, velvety texture of the dish as this may change once frozen.
If you do want to try freezing it, make sure it’s cooled well before popping it into the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature before eating.
You may need to give it a good stir to recombine all of the ingredients when defrosted.
Can I skip the Tahini?
Look, we know tahini can be a little pricey and it’s not a super common ingredient, but it’s integral to middle eastern cuisine for a good reason. It really is crucial for the creaminess of this delish little eggplant dip.
Plus, there are tons of recipes with tahini in them once you start looking (like this classic hummus recipe, for example)!
How do you eat baba ganoush?
Once you taste this wonderful eggplant dish you’ll want to eat it with everything! We’ve put together some suggestions on the best way to serve it:
- With raw veggie sticks – carrot, cucumber and bell pepper work beautifully
- With pita chips or slices – the perfect dipping tool for baba ganoush!
- On the side of dishes like falafel salad
- Spread on a pita pocket, flatbread or sandwich
And if you’re stuck on the hummus vs baba ganoush debate, these options all work well with both!
Baba Ganoush – The Father of all Eggplant Dips
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5 from 9 votes
Baba Ganoush – (Eggplant Dip / Aubergine Dip) Flatbreads and pitas go perfectly with this beautiful fusion of Arab-Mediterranean cuisines.
Cuisine:Arab, Levantine, Vegan
Diet: dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, vegan
Prep Time:15 minutes minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes minutes
Total Time:45 minutes minutes
Servings:8 as a side
Calories:617kcal
Author: Cristina & HurryTheFoodUp
Ingredients
- 3 small eggplants (3 small eggplants = 600-700g in total)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp tahini (or sesame paste is fine too)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus a splash when serving the dish)
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1 handful pomegranate seeds
- 1 tbsp cilantro/coriander, fresh
Instructions
Pre-heat the oven to 180ºc.
Put the eggplants on a oven tray with a splash of olive oil and some salt.
3 small eggplants, 2 tbsp olive oil
Using a fork, poke a couple of holes in them.
Add the garlic cloves as well. No need to peel them.
2 cloves garlic
Roast until tender ( 25-30 minutes).
Let the eggplants cool for a while, then slice them open and carve out the “flesh”.
With a beater or food processor mix the eggplant flesh with the rest of ingredients(juice the lemon and peel the garlic too before you throw it in).
2 tbsp tahini, 1 lemon, Salt and pepper to taste
Serve in a bowl with some paprika and a splash of olive oil for garnish. You can eat as a dip with pitas, flatbread or nachos or as a side dish of main course.
1 tsp paprika powder
Optional
Stir in pomegranate seeds and cilantro to give this lovely Baba Ganoush an extra freshness kick.
1 handful pomegranate seeds, 1 tbsp cilantro/coriander, fresh
NOTES
IF YOU LIKED THIS RECIPE: then you may well be hankering after some hummus too – and the best homemade stuff. If you’re looking for something with a little more kick then this salsa may be right up your street!
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Baba Ganoush – The Father of all Eggplant Dips
Amount per Serving
Calories
617
% Daily Value*
Fat
45.5
g
70
%
Saturated Fat
6.3
g
39
%
Sodium
1213
mg
53
%
Potassium
1823
mg
52
%
Carbohydrates
54.2
g
18
%
Sugar
22.2
g
25
%
Protein
12.6
g
25
%
Vitamin A
200
IU
4
%
Vitamin C
53.6
mg
65
%
Calcium
160
mg
16
%
Iron
4.7
mg
26
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Dave Bell
I’m not a foodie, although I do love eating. I believe food should serve us and our goals, not hinder. Taking control and responsibility for what I eat is important to me. Lots of veggie protein is my way forward.
This article has been medically reviewed by James LeBaigue MSc Learn More
James LeBaigue MSc
James has a Masters Degree in Sport and Exercise Nutrition, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Human Nutrition.
He loves combining his scientific knowledge along with food in the real world, and these recipes are the result.
He’s on top of all the latest evidence and guidelines to make sure our nutrition advice on the website is as accurate as it can be.
By day he works as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in a busy NHS GP Practice.
Each recipe is tested and then eaten (much to James’ delight), many times before it is deemed worthy to be published. Bon appetit!
Comments
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9 comments
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Larry20. March 2021 at 15:26
The nutritional label does not state the serving size. What is the serving size?
Reply
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Dave22. March 2021 at 11:15
Hi Larry, good question! The ingredients as shown make a small bowl (like in the picture). About 1/8 of the bowl is a serving – two heaped tablespoons, roughly. Hope that helps!
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Susan T.3. February 2021 at 18:09
I dearly Love eggplant, anyway you slice it. Or prepare it. I just made a big bowl of Ratatouille (Roasted the veggies in my new air fryer). It is very good, too. I’ll have to try this recipe next.Reply
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Dave4. February 2021 at 17:09
Ooh, sounds great! Can’t go wrong with a good Ratatouille! Let me know what you think of this baba ghanoush
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Melanie24. January 2021 at 9:28
In South Africa they are called Brinjals!
Love your recipes, thanks so much!Reply
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Dave25. January 2021 at 12:09
Ah!! Awesome to know, thank you Melanie! And thank you for the kind words too
Reply
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Emilie3. February 2021 at 1:28
In Quebec (the French province in Canada), they’re called aubergines
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Wayne Cummings23. January 2021 at 22:54
awesome do you have a receipt for a vegan egg plant parm?
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Dave25. January 2021 at 12:11
Hi! Hmm, what do you mean by parm? But yes, this recipe is vegan anyway 🙂
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