Baba Ganoush
63 Comments
Updated Sep 06, 2022
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Baba ganoush is a delicious dip made from roasted eggplants, originating in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. It’s creamy, savory, and exudes an irresistibly smoky flavor. Enjoy this with a side of freshly chopped veggies or spread it onto homemade falafel flatbread for the perfect appetizer.
Ever since my trip to the Middle East years ago, I’ve been savoring baba ganoush. Now don’t get me wrong, hummus is just as delicious. But this dip has an insanely scrumptious smoky flavor – all thanks to the method of charring eggplants on a grill.
Now, if you don’t have an outside grill, not to worry. I’m going to show you how to achieve the authentic flavor and texture with the help of your stove top, plus a few other tips. Let’s get started!
Baba Ganoush Ingredients
This baba ganoush recipe calls for 7 simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need.
- Eggplant: You’ll need 2 medium sized eggplants. Make sure to choose eggplants that are shiny and smooth with no signs of mushiness.
- Tahini: You can make my homemade tahini recipe or purchase a store-bought version.
- Lemon Juice: 1 lemon works just fine, as you will only need 1 1/2 tablespoons juiced.
- Olive Oil: This helps create a smooth consistency and rich flavor.
- Garlic: 1 raw garlic clove does the trick, but you can add more if it’s roasted garlic.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon to season it up.
- Parsley: You can either mix in chopped parsley or use it as garnishing.
How To Make The Best Baba Ganoush
Roast the eggplants
If you have an outdoor grill, that’s the preferred method to make baba ganoush. An open flame imparts the best smoky flavor. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, roasting your eggplants on a gas stove top is the next best option, and it’s the method I’ll show you today. If you don’t have an outdoor grill or gas stove, I’ll tell you how to broil it in the oven. But I’ll be honest, broiling the eggplant in the oven produces the least smoky (and thus least authentic) flavor.
- Outdoor grill: Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Grill the eggplant, rotating it occasionally, until the flesh is completely soft and the skin is charred. This should take about 25–35 minutes, depending on the size of your eggplant.
- Stovetop method: Turn your stovetop to medium-high heat and place your eggplants on the grate above the flames. Use tongs to rotate the eggplant every 3-4 minutes. Roast for about 15 minutes, until the skin is deeply charred and the eggplant starts to deflate.
- Broiler method: Lay your eggplants on a baking sheet (feel free to add aluminum foil if you want to prevent stickiness). Then place them in the oven, approximately 6-inches below the broiler, and cook for about an hour, rotating frequently. Make sure the skin is charred and poke the eggplant to see if it’s tender before removing from the oven.
Steam and chop the eggplants
Place the charred eggplants in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam them for 15 minutes. This will help to intensify the smoky flavor while they cool, and also allow residual liquid to drain from the eggplant.
After draining, cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh onto a cutting board. Roughly chop the eggplants to break apart the more fibrous, stringy bits.
Mix all the ingredients together
Place the chopped eggplants in a mixing bowl. Add the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt. Give everything a good stir with a fork until it’s well combined, with a slightly chunky texture. You can also stir in some chopped parsley, if you’d like.
Garnish and serve
Transfer the final baba ganoush to a serving bowl and garnish with extra chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve this with fresh cut veggies or my ultimate seed crackers.
For a larger mezze platter, serve the baba ganoush alongside my falafel, hummus, lentil salad, cauliflower rice tabbouleh, Israeli salad, and shakshuka.
Baba Ganoush Recipe Video
While it’s easy to make baba ganoush, it always helps to watch a quick tutorial video. Give it a watch below!
A Few Extra Tips
- Baba ganoush is best after the flavors have had time to meld together. I recommend refrigerating for at least an hour before serving, for the best flavor.
- If you make baba ganoush in the oven and it’s lacking in smoky flavor, you can always enhance it by stirring in 1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke. It’s a little trick that will have most people thinking you made the recipe on an outdoor grill.
- Smaller eggplants often have less seeds than larger eggplants. So you could use three small eggplants in this recipe instead of two medium-sized.
- Always season and tweak to taste. If you’d like a little more lemon juice, tahini or garlic, feel free to add it!
How To Store Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4 days. I actually love baba ganoush on the second day and find it to be even more flavorful.
But if you’d like to prep this ahead of time, you can freeze the eggplant flesh for a few months. Once you’ve let the eggplant steam in the bowl, scoop out the flesh and store in containers or freezer bags. Then when it comes time to make the dip, let the eggplant thaw to room temperature and start mixing in all the ingredients.
More Healthy Dips And Spreads
Looking to switch up your appetizer game? Your guests are going to love these easy but healthy dips.
Baba Ganoush (Authentic & Smoky)
Description
Video
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, approx 2 to 2 1/2 pounds total
- 3 tablespoon tahini
- 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons chopped parsley, for garnishing
Instructions
- Turn your stovetop to medium-high heat and place your eggplants above the flames. Use tongs to rotate the eggplant every 3-4 minutes. Roast for about 15 minutes, until the skin is deeply charred and the eggplant starts to deflate.
- Place the eggplants in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow them to steam and cool for 15 minutes, so that excess liquid can be removed.
- Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh onto a cutting board. Roughly chop the eggplants to break apart the stringy bits.
- Add the chopped eggplants to a large mixing bowl and use a fork to mash it up. Once it becomes a nice chunky consistency, add in the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and parsley. Give everything a good stir with until it’s well combined.
- Transfer the final baba ganoush into a small bowl and garnish with extra chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Lisa's Tips
- I like using tongs that are extra long when roasting on the stove top, such as these ones.
Nutrition
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Hi Lisa, I have just made your Baba Ganoush recipe.
I used bbqd aubergine which I had frozen.
Very tasty and enjoyable.
Thankyou
Hi Lynne – I’m glad you love this baba ganoush recipe!
I had an overabundance of eggplant in my garden this year (from only one plant….it was a monster) so I made this recipe A LOT after I discovered it! It is definitely the best baba ganoush recipe that I found online and is now my go to. Thanks for another great recipe! :)
This baba ganoush is the perfect way to make use of eggplant! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Another not exactly an eggplant fan but trying to learn to like it. Have had baba ganoush at restaurants and none have been really smoky like this. Cooked on grill and then covered in a bowl as instructed. It was so easy to put together, and creamy sweet a little tart from the lemon and so rich tasting. I don’t think I will every order it at a restaurant again, they will never match this. Reading the comments has given me more thoughts on variations. Wow
Glad you’re enjoying this homemade version so much!
I recently tried this recipe, and it exceeded all my expectations! The smoky roasted eggplant flavor was perfectly balanced with the tang of lemon juice and the creaminess of tahini. The garlic added a delightful kick, while the garnish of fresh parsley added a pop of freshness. The texture was velvety smooth, making it a pleasure to dip a fresh vegetables into. Overall, this Baba Ganoush recipe is a winner, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious and healthy appetizer option.
I have made this before but can hardly wait to make your version of baba ganoush! It sounds delirious! Thanks for sharing how to get the smoky flavor.
I made this today and it is absolutely delicious. I tripled the recipe as it’s so easy to eat this and we LOVE Baba Ganoush. I charred the eggplants on the BBQ and the smoky taste was excellent. I used a very sharp small knife to scrape out the flesh and it was easy a little messy with the skin but the skin comes right off. Toasted some fresh baked sourdough and slathered the Baba ganoush on and DELICIOUS! DELICIOUS! I may have to go and buy more eggplants. 😂 Thank you for a great recipe.
Yum yum yum!!!! Was never friendly w eggplant but ever since I made this recipe I can’t stop downing this dip w chips n veggies! The seasoning and throwing the eggplants on the grill definitely makes a difference. A yes from me!
The baba is the 3rd recipe my husband and I have tried from Downshiftology and we are hooked! This recipe beats our favorite local restaurant who specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, which we love, because we now have the option to share the experience of preparing and enjoying it together. Thank you for sharing your world experiences with our palates. The Greek salad and tatziki recipes are also absolutely phenomenal. Additionally, we use MyFitnessPal to track our nutrients and the recipes import so easily. We are looking forward to trying many more. Congrats on your journey!
Happy to hear you’re enjoying so many recipes Angela!
I see the nutritional facts and that this recipe makes approx. 4 servings. What would be considered 1 serving?
Each serving is about 1 cup, depending on how big your eggplants are. But just divide your dip into 4 portions.
Yay! Thank you. Easy and delicious! The second time I tried Liquid Smoke. I was so concerned I’d over-do it I poured the liquid into the spoon intended to stir the mixture, and then poured carefully it back into the bottle (over the mix) so that the spoon was just coated. After all, I can put it in and add more, but not take it back if it’s too much. I considered adding smoked paprika instead but chickened out and used the liquid smoke.
Glad this baba ganoush turned out perfectly even though it was just your second time using the liquid smoke.
First time making and it was easy and turned out delicious. New staple for our new Mediterranean inspired eating habits.
I increased the Lemon Juice, Tahini (I used Soom Foods!), and Salt by tad! I put all the ingredients in my food processor and set it on the pulse setting. Great Recipe!
Glad you loved this Baba Ganoush Alisha!
The recipe looks tempting Lisa! Baba Ganoush originated from the Levant cuisine in which it is served as an appetizer. It’s a great option for those following a keto diet.
I broiled my eggplants in the oven and it was still deliciously smoky. Lovely recipe!
Wonderful! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Natasha!
Sooo good! I have made it a few times already, this is my go to whenever I am including eggplants into my meals for the week.
Always a great way to use up eggplants :)
Fabulous recipe.
Authentic flavor.
Easy to prepare.
I added a tablespoon of Greek yogurt.
So glad this recipe was a success!
This comes at a perfect time. Yesterday I harvested 11 eggplant from my garden and have a ton more that will be ready soon.
This will definitely be the perfect recipe to make use of your eggplants :)
While making this I discovered I didn’t have any fresh lemons, but I did have preserved lemons. I threw a couple slices in and left out the salt. Perfect.
Delicious! I also added toasted pinenuts. Nice little taste
Lisa, thank you!!! Just made it… and was amazing.
Your recipes are always great 🥰
This recipe is absolutely amazing ! Thank you
So glad you enjoyed this dip!
I’ve made this a few times, definitely a family favourite! Easy to make and delicious!
Wonderful! Glad the entire family enjoyed this recipe :)
Hi Lisa,
thanks for this amazing recipe! Absolutely delicious, made it today.
However I must admit that I made a lazy version using the shortcut with the liquid smoke. I simply cut the eggplants in smaller pieces and microwaved them for 10 minutes in a microwave dish, with peel.
Then everything in the food processor – done.
Will definitelz become a staple in this household! everyone LOVED it!!
Hi Marianne- Glad to hear everyone loved this recipe! This really is an easy throw-together recipe once you get your eggplants well cooked. And yes, the liquid smoke makes all the difference!
Made this by charring on my outdoor grill. Only had baby eggplants, which worked well. Peeled instead of scooped, which allowed for maximum volume. Used authentic Lebanese tahini!!! This dish is absolutely simple and extremely delicious.
Hi Kristin- This recipe definitely comes out the best over a grill to get that beautiful charred flavor! Glad this came out great :)
Simple yet delicious!! Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner 😋 Thanks again!!
Hi Camelia – Happy to hear you enjoyed this baba ganoush recipe!
Very good and simple to make. I have only had baba ganoush 2 times, once from a specialty market in L.A. and the other time from a restaurant in NYC. This has been something I wanted to make when I have a craving for it, but all of the recipes I looked up seemed difficult. This recipe was simple and I love the smokey flavor.
Hi Lisa- I’m so glad to hear you’ve finally found a winning baba ganoush recipe that you can make right at home :)
Hi Lisa, I tried this yesterday, it was delicious as all of your other recipes, my family including all the kids love it.
Instead of charring the eggplants 1 by 1 over the stove and decided to put the eggplants in the Grill with highest setting as I did not want to have the juices spilling all over the stove. It took a while for the eggplants to char although I already put them all at top rack literally 1cm away from the Grill iron. They all charred beautifully after about 20 minutes with constant monitoring and rotating them and juices all slip down to the pan which was quite easy to wash off. One thing I will remember next is to prick a few holes in the eggplants before I Grill them next time, there were a few explosion when the heat built up inside before the eggplants get Charred. That caused a bit of a mess but lesson learned.
I followed everything else the same and it is fantastic!
You are making a lot of good cooks around the world.
Love from Malaysia, Jody
Hi Jody – I’m glad you tested and learned a few things along the way while making this recipe. Eggplants can char differently based on everyone’s stovetop or grill so good thing you found methods that will work for you. But other than that, I’m glad you and your family enjoyed this dip!
I loved this video and made the dish yesterday. Your instructions were so helpful, it made me eager to try it! This recipe is delicious and I will happily share it and save it forever. Thank you so much Lisa, for another great video and recipe.
Hi Rosemary – thanks so much! I’m glad the instructions were easy to follow and that you loved this recipe. :)
Okay, that’s the best baba ganoush I’ve ever had! My first time making it was made so much easier by your excellent and thorough video and recipe. I couldn’t bring myself to toss the smoky leftover liquid from the eggplants, so I strained it and will probably use it in a salad dressing. Another Downshiftology win.
Hi Alan – Thrilled to hear your first batch of baba ganoush was a success! And yes, the leftover smoky liquid would be great to reserve for other things :)
A couple weeks ago I was thinking that I want to make chia seed jam for the first time, and that day you mentioned the recipe on Facebook. Then I was thinking about making falafel, and again, you shared your recipe that day. And this morning I was thinking that I have an eggplant in the fridge and I want to make babaganoush but I want to find a recipe that uses tahini (lots of recipes call for mayo) and I just went on the site…and your babaganoush recipe greeted me! I will be making this tomorrow.
I don’t know what the deeper message is here, but I like how you’re reading my mind :-)
Haha, perhaps it just that great minds think alike, Leah! ;) Hope you love this baba ganoush recipe!
I love baba ganoush. Just wondering if you had an alternative recipe without the tahini – my kids are allergic to sesame, so it’s a no-no. They love humus (sesame-free), and this would be a great way to make them eat more eggplants.
I don’t have another recipe without the tahini, but you could substitute with a seed or nut butter if you’d like. I know some even use mayonnaise instead of tahini.
I absolutely love Baba Ganoush. In the Caribbean we have a recipe that’s very very similar called Baigan Choka.
Hi Charla – Yum, that sounds delicious! I’ll have to try that variation sometime.
What a interesting way to prepare eggplant. I never tried anything like this. But now I must. This looks absolutely delicious.
Hi Natalie – Definitely a must try dish if you love eggplant!
I loved the smokey flavor of this recipe! The description way very accurate which I always appreciate. Was a great addition to our dinner :)
Hi Noelle – Amazing! So glad everyone enjoyed this recipe :)
The very first dip that I fall in love with. Using the flame from a gas stove top to grill the eggplant is really smart. I’ll be doing this from now on.
Hi Anita – The stove top is definitely a great alternative if you don’t have a grill!
I just enjoyed this delicious dip with Wheat Thins crackers and veggies. Boy, is this crazy good!!!
Hi Denay – Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe :)