Authentic Baba Ganoush Recipe - Roasted Eggplant Dip (wfpb, vegan) (2024)

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Vegan Baba Ganoush - is an oil-free, creamy Lebanese dip made from roasted eggplants that is great as a party snack or appetizer.

With hummus and this delicious aubergine spread, you can make a great antipasti platter for your next party or simply if you fancy a delicious dip.

Authentic Baba Ganoush Recipe - Roasted Eggplant Dip (wfpb, vegan) (1)

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This great recipe for the traditional Baba Ganoush from Lebanon is a smoky, creamy and spicy dip that is prepared from a few ingredients such as roasted eggplants, tahini and garlic.

This dip is ideal as a snack with vegetable sticks or as an appetizer for your next dinner.

If you refrain from roasting the eggplants, this spread will be on your table within 5 minutes. Or during the 45 minutes the eggplant is roasting in the oven, you can do other things.

I personally love this dip a great alternative from the classic hummus and a low-calorie dip variant, which is prepared with little effort and is ideal as a meal prep.

This vegan recipe is authentic and tastes like the traditional Baba Ganoush recipe. A great side dish for your next party plate.

Do you generally love hummus or dips? Then you should definitely try this mega great creamy recipe.

Jump to:
  • What is Baba Ganoush?
  • Ingredients
  • Instruction
  • Storage
  • Tips
  • Serving Suggestion
  • Other dips from the Middle East:
  • 📖 Recipe

What is Baba Ganoush?

In short, Baba Ganoush is an eggplant dip. The eggplant is roasted in the oven and thus gets its great roasted taste.

The two other ingredients are tahini (sesame paste) and garlic and you get the cousin of the hummus.

Baba Ganoush has its origin in Lebanon and the name comes from the Arabic. “Baba” means father and “ghanoush” means spoiled.

In the Middle East Arab countries, this alternative is very popular, especially as a starter.

In Israel it is also known as aubergine salad or hatzilim. To make this dip even creamier, many use a little mayonnaise.

Is Baba Ganoush healthy?

Aubergine is a vegetable and a great source for vitamin B, E and fiber.

Tahini is a great source for minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, lecithin, potassium and iron.

Baba Ganoush is also low in calories and is perfect as a dip.

What is healthier - hummus or baba ganoush?

Baba Ganoush's consistency is very similar to that of hummus. The dip from eggplants, i.e. Baba Ganoush, is a little lower in calories. Both dips are healthy in their own way and have different nutrients and minerals.

Ingredients

Here is a short list what ingredients are in this amazing baba ganoush dip. The exact amount of the ingredients is in the recipe card below.

Eggplant / aubergine

Tahini

Lemon juice

Garlic cloves

Sea-salt

Cumin

Liquid smoke (opt)

Cayenne pepper

Authentic Baba Ganoush Recipe - Roasted Eggplant Dip (wfpb, vegan) (2)

Instruction

Wrap the eggplant in aluminum foil and roast it in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes until it is soft.

If you poke the eggplant with a knife and it is soft, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Now cut off the top of the eggplant and peel off the skin. You can throw away the peel and roughly dice the pulp. Drain the eggplant for about 5-10 min to get rid of excess water.

Place all ingredients in a food processor and process the dip until creamy. It takes about 1 minute.

Taste the Baba Ganoush again briefly and season to your taste.

Authentic Baba Ganoush Recipe - Roasted Eggplant Dip (wfpb, vegan) (3)

Storage

Freezing

The vegetable eggplant itself is not great for freezing. When thawing it gets very mushy and a bit bitter.

When the vegetables are prepared, like in this Baba Ganoush, the dish becomes great for freezing. Simply freeze the dip in portions in an airtight container.

Fridge

In an airtight container, Baba Ganoush stays in the fridge for about 7 days.

Tips

Take fresh garlic, Tahini from 100% sesame and fresh lemon juice to develop the full taste of Baba Ganoush

Sift the eggplant for about 5-10 minutes to pour away excess liquid. This step is important so that the Baba Ganoush does not become too fluid.

Season to your own taste and adjust the ingredients accordingly. Just use more tahini, lemon juice or garlic. Depending on how you like it best.

Leave the dip in the fridge for a few hours and you will see the dip thickens.

Do you eat Baba Ganoush hot or cold?

This eggplant spread is usually eaten cold or at room temperature. A crispy baguette, pita bread, or vegetables go well with this.

Authentic Baba Ganoush Recipe - Roasted Eggplant Dip (wfpb, vegan) (4)

How do you get the traditional smoky taste in Baba Ganoush?

The smoky taste in Baba Ganoush traditionally comes from the roasted eggplant over an open fire. If you like smoky flavor, you can add some liquid smoke or smoked paprika.

Serving Suggestion

Falafel

Cracker

Flatbread

Other dips from the Middle East:

Best hummus

Muhammara

Creamy feta dip

Lebanese garlic sauce

Authentic Baba Ganoush Recipe - Roasted Eggplant Dip (wfpb, vegan) (5)

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📖 Recipe

Authentic Baba Ganoush Recipe - Roasted Eggplant Dip (wfpb, vegan) (6)

Authentic Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe - Roasted Eggplant Dip (oil-free, wfpb, vegan)

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Vegan Baba Ganoush - is an oil-free, creamy Lebanese dip made from roasted eggplants that is great as a party snack or appetizer. With hummus and this delicious aubergine spread, you can make a great antipasti platter for your next party or simply if you fancy a delicious dip.

vegan | vegetarian | oil-free | sugar-free | dairy-free | gluten-free | nut-free | soy-free | wholesome | healthy | whole food plant-based (wfpb)

Ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant
  • ¼ cup of tahini
  • Lemon juice from 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves of garlic, roasted
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke (opt)
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

Wrap the eggplant in aluminum foil and roast it in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes until it is soft.

If you poke the eggplant with a knife and it is soft, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Now cut off the top of the eggplant and peel off the skin. You can throw away the peel and roughly dice the pulp. Drain the eggplant for about 5-10 min to get rid of excess water.

Place all ingredients in a food processor and process the dip until creamy. It takes about 1 minute.

Taste the Baba Ganoush again briefly and season to your taste.

Nutrition Information

Yield 4Serving Size 1
Amount Per ServingCalories 159Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 0mgSodium 144mgCarbohydrates 21gNet Carbohydrates 0gFiber 6gSugar 6gSugar Alcohols 0gProtein 4g

The nutrition is calculated automatically and should be used as an estimate.

Did you make this recipe?

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Jump to:
  • What is Baba Ganoush?
  • Ingredients
  • Instruction
  • Storage
  • Tips
  • Serving Suggestion
  • Other dips from the Middle East:
  • 📖 Recipe
Authentic Baba Ganoush Recipe - Roasted Eggplant Dip (wfpb, vegan) (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for tahini in baba ganoush? ›

Other tahini substitutions

Yogurt is my favorite substitution to make a fantastic baba ganoush with tahini. It adds a mild touch to the flavorful dish and is perfect for supplying that creamy texture that makes this dip so moreish. However, you could also consider using: Mayonnaise.

Is baba ganoush healthy or unhealthy? ›

Baba Ganoush is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Eggplants are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while tahini adds a dose of healthy fats and protein. This makes Baba Ganoush a heart-healthy choice that supports overall well-being.

How do you get the bitterness out of baba ganoush? ›

If you have extra time, cut your eggplant in half, use a knife to make a few slits in the skin, add salt over the skin and let it sit for 15-20 minutes so the bitterness of the eggplant comes out.

What is the difference between baba ganoush and Baba Ghanouj? ›

Baba ganoush (also known as baba ghanouj or baba ghanoush) is one of the most popular dips in Lebanese cuisine—and at my table! That is because the flavor of this creamy dip is so bright and smokey. It's luscious texture goes with dippers of every sort: crackers, pita chips, pita wedges, fresh veggies, you name it.

Why is tahini not vegan? ›

Because it's made with sesame seeds, which, of course, come from a plant and not an animal, tahini is vegan. It's as simple as that. That said, there are sometimes other ingredients, like oil and salt, added to the store-bought versions.

Which is healthier hummus or baba ganoush? ›

3) Health – Both dishes are very healthy, but baba ganoush has a slight edge here with more vitamins from the eggplant and a lower calorie count. 4) Big meal to come – Get baba ganoush, it's less filling than hummus.

Why does baba ganoush taste like cigarettes? ›

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.

What is the myth of baba ganoush? ›

baba ghanoush, relish with Middle Eastern origins that is made of eggplant (aubergine) blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. The Arabic term for the dish means “pampered daddy,” the person in question being, legend has it, a sultan spoiled with a concoction invented by a member of his harem.

What does Baba mean in baba ganoush? ›

What is baba ganoush? In Arabic, “baba” means father and “ghanoush” means spoiled. This “spoiled dad” dip is the creamier companion to hummus. Popular in Arab countries throughout the Middle East, it is also a common appetizer on the Sephardic Jewish table. In Israel, it is known as eggplant salad, or Salat Hatzilim.

Why does baba ganoush taste bad? ›

Baba Ghanoush may taste bitter due to factors like the choice of eggplant, insufficient roasting, or the use of too much garlic, lemon juice, or low-quality tahini.

Why is my baba ganoush stringy? ›

The flesh is often stringy, especially if slightly undercooked. It doesn't matter (except aesthetically). Is it a monster from the deep? Squeeze the eggplant flesh to release some of the juice.

What do you eat with baba ganoush? ›

What to Serve with Baba Ganoush. My favorite way to serve baba ganoush is as an appetizer or snack with crisp veggies and pita bread. You could also serve it as the creamy dip in a summer crudité platter or make an epic Mediterranean appetizer board with pita chips, tzatziki, hummus, and fresh or grilled veggies.

Which country invented baba ganoush? ›

While the actual location of origin is somewhat argued, both Levantine and Lebanese cultures to claim ownership of origination.

What culture eats baba ganoush? ›

Baba ganoush is a middle eastern eggplant dish, made with tahini, garlic, olive oil and spices. My grandfather used to make a version that he learned growing up in Beirut, and my mom made a slightly different version. Both are delicious.

What does baba ganoush mean in love? ›

It comes from the Arabic phrase baba gannuj, in which baba can mean father or daddy (or an endearment), and gannuj can mean coquettish or pampered. The dish, the OED says, was named “perhaps with reference to its supposed invention by a member of a royal harem.” So the pampered daddy may have been a sultan.

What is a good substitute for tahini in dip? ›

Our Best Tahini Substitutes
  1. Cashew Butter. Of all the nut butters, cashew butter is your best bet for replacing tahini, (FWIW: we do love almond butter, too). ...
  2. Sunflower Butter. If you have sunflower seed butter in your pantry, grab it! ...
  3. Sesame Oil. ...
  4. Greek Yogurt. ...
  5. Homemade Tahini.
Aug 30, 2022

What is the sesame paste in hummus and baba ganoush? ›

Both baba ghanouj and hummus are made using the sesame paste called tahini. You can buy jarred tahini in most supermarkets, but if you want to make your own, toast a few tablespoons of sesame seeds in an oven or skillet.

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