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Home » Appetizers » Baba Ganoush Recipe

Published: March 10, 2022 Last Modified: March 10, 2022 By Sara 19 Comments

Baba Ganoush Recipe

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This baba ganoush is a creamy dip made of eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and spices.
This baba ganoush is a creamy dip made of eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and spices.
This baba ganoush is a creamy dip made of eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and spices.

This baba ganoush is a creamy dip made of eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and spices. It’s a great healthier appetizer option, and can also be used as a sauce for grilled meats or vegetables.

When I’m looking for an easy dip to serve at a party, I turn to avocado dip, dill dip and this simple yet satisfying baba ganoush.

A hand dipping pita bread into baba ganoush.

I always order baba ganoush at my local Mediterranean restaurant, I can’t get enough of it! I’ve learned to make this fabulous dip at home, and I have to say, I think my version tastes even better than what you’d get at a restaurant.

Recipe Ingredients

Eggplants and bowls of seasonings including spices and herbs,

The ingredients for this recipe include whole eggplants, tahini and olive oil for richness, and seasonings including lemon juice, garlic, salt, smoked paprika and parsley.

How do you make baba ganoush?

This recipe starts with eggplants, which are cut in half, then roasted in the oven until very tender. The next step is to scoop out the inside flesh of the eggplants and place it in a food processor along with tahini, garlic, salt, smoked paprika and olive oil. The eggplant mixture is either pulsed to a chunky consistency, or pureed until smooth, whichever you prefer. The final step is to add a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of smoked paprika and parsley, then you’re ready to eat!

Process shots showing how to roast and puree eggplant.

Tips for the perfect dip

  • I roast my eggplants because it’s easy and convenient. If you prefer, you can char your eggplant on a grill or gas burner for a smokier flavor. If you go this route, keep the eggplants whole instead of cutting them in half.
  • Tahini is a sesame seed paste that is the main flavoring agent in both baba ganoush and hummus. You can find it in glass jars near the peanut butter in most grocery stores.
  • This recipe calls for smoked paprika which helps to add a smoky flavor to the dip. It can be found in all major grocery stores in the spice aisle.
  • Serve your dip with toasted pita bread, fresh vegetables or pita chips.
  • You can add a variety of garnishes to your dip such as sesame seeds, sumac, chives or pomegranate seeds.
  • This dip can be made up to 3 days before you plan to serve it. Add your garnishes right before you’re ready to eat.
  • Baba ganoush requires a fair amount of salt to counteract the natural bitterness of the eggplant. Taste your dip, and then keep adding salt as needed until you get to your desired flavor level.
Pureed eggplant and seasonings in a food processor.

Recipe FAQs

What is baba ganoush?

Baba ganoush is an Eastern Mediterranean appetizer that consists of mashed or pureed eggplant that’s flavored with sesame seed paste, lemon juice, garlic and other seasonings. It is most often served as a dip with pita bread on the side.

Is baba ganoush healthy?

Baba ganoush contains heart healthy ingredients such as olive oil and eggplant. Tahini is a healthy fat which contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Overall, this dip is a good source of nutrients and is a great addition to any diet.

Can you freeze baba ganoush?

This dip can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator and stir well before serving. If your dip is overly watery, you can strain out any excess liquid.

Baba ganoush in a bowl surrounded by bread and vegetables.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it on the regular! It’s a great alternative to hummus and the smoky, savory flavor just can’t be beat.

More dip recipes you’ll enjoy

  • Dill Pickle Dip
  • Smoked Salmon Dip
  • Mediterranean Layered Dip
  • Homemade Ranch Dip
  • Rotel Dip

Baba Ganoush Video

A hand dipping pita bread into baba ganoush.
Print Pin
5 from 16 votes

Baba Ganoush

This baba ganoush is a creamy dip made of eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and spices. It's a great healthier appetizer option, and can also be used as a sauce for grilled meats or vegetables.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 171kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 2 medium eggplants cut in half lengthwise
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil divided use
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/3 cup tahini
  • salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • additional olive oil and smoked paprika for garnish
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
  • Brush the cut sides of the eggplant with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season the eggplant generously with salt.
  • Place the eggplant halves cut side down on the sheet pan. Roast for 30-40 minutes until eggplant is very tender.
  • Scoop out the insides of the eggplant and place in a food processor.
  • Add the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, tahjni, salt and paprika to the food processor.
  • Lightly pulse for a chunkier dip. If you prefer a smooth dip, puree the eggplant mixture until no lumps remain.
  • Spoon the dip into a bowl. Top with chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil and smoked paprika. Serve.

Notes

  1. This dip can be made up to 3 days in advance. Wait to add your garnishes until right before you’re ready to eat.
  2. Eggplant dip requires a fair amount of salt to counteract the natural bitterness of this particular vegetable. Taste your dip, and then keep adding salt as needed until you get to your desired flavor level.

Nutrition

Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 313mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Comments

    1. Teri says

      April 3, 2022 at 4:31 pm

      I never made it before , so good luck is in order , I’m looking for any easy Arabic , Jordanian , Lebanese dishes as well . Let me know of any other recipes .

      Reply
    2. Jill says

      March 18, 2022 at 11:00 am

      5 stars
      I actually prefer Baba ganoush to hummus. So excited to find a recipe so I can make it myself. Thank you!

      Reply
    3. Holley says

      March 18, 2022 at 10:55 am

      5 stars
      I love this dip! Super flavorful and so easy to make!

      Reply
    4. Emily says

      March 18, 2022 at 10:52 am

      5 stars
      So delicious and easy to make! We’re going to make this a lot more often instead of buying it!

      Reply
    5. Casey says

      March 18, 2022 at 10:34 am

      5 stars
      SOOO good! My daughter, who is obsessed with hummus, LOVED this! The spices were perfect!

      Reply
    6. Andrea says

      March 18, 2022 at 10:24 am

      5 stars
      I’m a huge fan of this dip. I’ve never had egg plant prepared this way but I loved dipping carrots and cucumber in it.So good!

      Reply
    7. Rana says

      January 10, 2022 at 1:18 am

      5 stars
      Looks yummy!
      Just a note: this is NOT baba Ghannoush; this is Mutabbal! Baba ghannoush does not have tahini in it!! Thank you! 😊

      Reply
    8. Marie says

      May 21, 2020 at 4:12 am

      5 stars
      Easy to make, creamy and delicious. And a nice presentation. Thank you!

      Reply
    9. Tara says

      January 20, 2020 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      Such a beautiful dip! I love the addition of smoked paprika. Perfect for pairing with the roasted eggplant.

      Reply
    10. Catherine says

      January 20, 2020 at 11:21 am

      5 stars
      Baba ganoush has always been one of my favorite spreads! I love it on sandwiches in place of mayo too…so good and so healthy for you! Yours looks perfect.

      Reply
    11. Kelly Anthony says

      January 20, 2020 at 11:10 am

      5 stars
      I also order baba ganoush at a restaurant whenever it is offered but I’ve never made it myself. Now I can have it anytime I would like. So excited to try this recipe!

      Reply
    12. Anita says

      January 20, 2020 at 10:58 am

      5 stars
      This is my most favorite dip ever. I fell in love with dips because of baba ganoush. 🙂

      Reply
    13. Jacqueline Debono says

      January 20, 2020 at 10:52 am

      5 stars
      I love dips but this baba ganoush is one I’ve never made! Not for much longer. It sounds delicious so, will be trying this recipe very soon!

      Reply
    14. Beth says

      January 16, 2020 at 8:07 pm

      5 stars
      the flavor of this is so good! We love it when we hit our local Lebanese restaurant! So glad I can make it at home!

      Reply
    15. Tisha says

      January 16, 2020 at 2:32 pm

      5 stars
      Love the flavors of this dip! Makes such a great appetizer!

      Reply
    16. Kimberly says

      January 16, 2020 at 10:34 am

      A delicious classic and such a great way to enjoy such a healthy vegetable!

      Reply
    17. Jacque Hastert says

      January 16, 2020 at 7:41 am

      5 stars
      This dip is going to be perfect on Sunday during out football watch party! I love that it is loaded with powerfoods.

      Reply
    18. Erin says

      January 16, 2020 at 6:38 am

      5 stars
      This baba ganoush is looks incredibly delicious!

      Reply
    19. Cathy says

      January 15, 2020 at 4:13 pm

      Love the step by step… it actually seems doable!!

      Reply

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