Egyptian Baba Ghanouj
A classic Egyptian mezze dip, this Baba Ghanouj features intensely smoky eggplant blended with creamy tahini, bright lemon juice, and pungent garlic. Perfect for scooping with warm pita bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 medium Eggplants(Globe eggplants work best for their fleshiness.)
- 60 ml Tahini(Good quality tahini is essential for flavor. Stir well before measuring if separated.)
- 3 tbsp Lemon juice(Freshly squeezed is highly recommended.)
- 3 cloves Garlic(Minced or finely grated. Adjust to your preference.)
- 1/2 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- for drizzling Olive oil(Extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.)
- for garnish Fresh parsley(Optional, chopped.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the eggplants for charring. Wash the eggplants and prick them all over with a fork or knife. This allows steam to escape and prevents them from exploding. You can char them directly over a gas burner on medium-high heat, under a broiler (grill), or on an outdoor grill. Turn the eggplants frequently using tongs until the skin is completely blackened and charred, and the flesh is very soft and collapsed. This process should take about 20-30 minutes depending on your heat source. The goal is a deeply smoky flavor.
⏱️ 20-30 minutes - 2
Cool and scoop the eggplant flesh. Once charred, carefully remove the eggplants from the heat and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, or place them in a paper bag and seal it. Let them steam for about 10-15 minutes. This makes them easier to peel and scoop. Once cooled enough to handle, cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the soft, smoky flesh into a colander set over a bowl. Let the flesh drain for about 10 minutes to remove excess liquid, which can make the dip watery.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 3
Mash the eggplant flesh. Transfer the drained eggplant flesh to a medium bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the flesh until it reaches your desired consistency. Some prefer it slightly chunky, while others like it smoother. Avoid using a food processor, as it can make the dip gummy.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Combine the ingredients. Add the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt to the mashed eggplant. Stir vigorously with a fork or spoon until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, lemon juice, or garlic as needed.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Serve the Baba Ghanouj. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Create a swirl on top with the back of a spoon. Drizzle generously with good quality extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as part of a mezze platter.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best smoky flavor, charring the eggplants directly over a gas flame is ideal.
- ✓Don't skip the steaming step after charring; it makes scooping the flesh much easier and helps loosen the skin.
- ✓Drain the eggplant flesh thoroughly to prevent a watery dip.
- ✓Egyptian Baba Ghanouj is typically smoother than Levantine versions, but adjust the mashing to your preference.
- ✓Serve with warm pita bread, falafel, or other mezze for a complete meal.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer flavor, increase the amount of tahini slightly.
- Add a pinch of cumin for an earthy note.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sumac or paprika.
- Add a few pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness and color.