• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Not Enough Cinnamon
  • HOME
  • RECIPES
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • ABOUT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • HOME
  • RECIPES
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • ABOUT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    You are here: Home / Recipes / Best Baba Ganoush Recipe

    Best Baba Ganoush Recipe

    Published on Apr 10, 2020 · Last updated on Aug 24, 2021 ·

    712 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Looking for the best Baba Ganoush Recipe? Here's how to make the creamy Middle Eastern eggplant dip for your next party! You will never go back to store-bought. Gluten-free, low carb & vegan! 

    overhead shot of a serving of baba ganoush served in a small bowl surrounded with veggies

    We love our dips in this house! From tzatziki to hummus, muhammara, and, of course, Baba Ganoush - one of my favorite Mediterranean dishes ever. What’s better to kick-start your party than a creamy, dreamy homemade eggplant dip and some homemade pita chips to go along?! Not much, right?

    What is Baba Ganoush?

    In its most basic form, baba ganoush is made with eggplant, tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt. I found that adding a pinch of ground cumin, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley really takes this baba ganoush recipe to the next level.

    The taste? Uber creamy, rich and lush, slightly sweet with a subtle bitterness. All in all this eggplant dip has the perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors from the fresh lemon and tahini. With its decadent creaminess, you'd almost think there's dairy in it but rest assured - it’s vegan and dairy-free.

    a roasted eggplant being scraped out with a fork to make Middle Eastern eggplant dip

    Baba Ganoush vs Hummus:

    I like to think of Baba Ganoush as a deeper and creamier companion to hummus! Baba ganoush is indeed not dissimilar to hummus, but made with grilled or roasted eggplants instead of cooked chickpeas. Both dips originated in the Eastern Mediterranean, and they’re often served together with pita bread and/or veggies. You can use baba ganoush like you would hummus—as a dip or spread.

    ingredients for best vegan baba ganoush being mixed in a glass bowl

    Basic baba ganoush is always vegan, gluten-free and nut-free making it a great healthy crowd-pleasing party appetizer for guests - including those who are following special diets.

    I like to serve my baba ganoush as depicted in the pictures with colorful raw veggies like carrot and bell pepper sticks, radishes and cucumber rounds.

    If you want to serve Baba Ganoush the traditional way, final touches must include:

    • chopped parsley leaves
    • a generous drizzle of good olive oil
    • a sprinkle of smoked paprika

    But there are many more fun and delicious ways to serve up your baba ganoush:

    Delicious ways to serve Baba Ganoush

    • alongside homemade pita chips 
    • As a topping/sauce for my falafel bowls or these Cauliflower Bowls
    • absolutely epic instead of hummus in this chicken wrap recipe

    a bowl of homemade healthy baba ganoush surrounded with veggie sticks

    How to make this Baba Ganoush recipe:

    How to roast the eggplants:

    There are two ways to roast the eggplants to make baba ganoush. You can either roast them in the oven – it’s hands-off and easy – or roast them over the gas range – my favorite method because it gives them a wonderful smoky flavor.

    overhead shot of ingredients needed for making baba ganoush recipe

    Gas Range Method :

    picture collage demonstrating how to roast a whole eggplant over a gas range to make baba ganoush

    Step 1 - Pierce the eggplants all over with a fork, to prevent them from exploding while roasting.

    Step 2 - Place the eggplants directly on top of the gas range grate (one range for each eggplant) and turn the flame to medium or high. Roast the eggplant over the flame for about 20-30 minutes, turning them one quarter every 5 minutes or so with a tong. Once they are charred and the skin looks almost burnt, remove them from the flame and let them cool.

    picture collage demonstrating how to scrape meat out of roasted eggplants to make baba ganoush

    Oven Method

    Step 3- Preheat oven to 440F/220C degrees. Pierce the eggplants all over with a fork, to prevent them from exploding while roasting. Place them on a baking sheet and cook for about 30 minutes or until it’s tender and collapsing. Start checking around the 20-minute mark because all ovens are different.

    Step 4 - Remove from the oven and let cool. Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, open them in half with your hands and scrape the pulp off the skin. If you roasted the eggplants over the range and the skin is almost falling off, chop off the stems and peel the eggplant with your hands.

    ingredients for Middle Eastern eggplant dip being mixed in a glass bowl

    Step 5 & 6 - Place the pulp in a large bowl. Add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic (start with one clove), cumin and a pinch of salt.

    picture collage demonstrating how to combine ingredients for baba ganoush using a fork

    Step 7 & 8 - Using a fork, mash to combine everything together and break down any stringy part of the eggplant. Taste and adjust to your liking: another garlic clove, a bit more lemon juice, some tahini or more salt. For my taste, it is perfect as written - but make it yours!

    overhead shot of homemade baba ganoush in a glass bowl

    Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with a few parsley leaves and a dash of paprika. Serve with pita chips and veggies to dip.

    How to store Baba Ganoush?

    Leftover baba ganoush can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4 days. Personally, I think it’s best served fresh, but others say it tastes better after a day or two. Likewise, some prefer it served at room temperature, while others prefer it chilled, so really I’ll leave this all up to you and I recommend you try it either way.

    Tips for making the best Baba Ganoush

    • Extract moisture: By roasting the eggplant, we have already eliminated a lot of the liquid. If you feel there is still too much liquid in the flesh, let the eggplant rest in a strainer for a few minutes and stir it to release even more.
    • I mix the dip by hand as I like mine with some texture to it, plus it's really easy as roasted eggplant easily falls apart when you stir it with a fork. You could use a food processor, but as I said: better by hand.
    • Don't skimp on the salt!  Eggplant is somewhat bitter, and adding salt can reduce that bitterness considerably. This Middle Eastern eggplant dip deserves to live up to its full potential so make sure it’s properly seasoned with that salt, that paprika, and that parsley.
    • Choose eggplants that are shiny and smooth and feel heavy for their size. Large eggplants tend to contain more seeds, which can produce a bothersome texture. So, you can totally use 4 smaller eggplants rather than 2 large ones. Note that overripe eggplants taste more bitter so don't store them for too long.
    overhead shot of a serving of baba ganoush served in a small bowl surrounded with veggies
    5 from 4 votes
    Print

    Baba Ganoush

    Looking for the best Baba Ganoush Recipe? Here's how to make the creamy Middle Eastern eggplant dip for your next party! You will never go back to store-bought! Gluten-free, low carb & vegan!  

    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Middle Eastern
    Keyword baba ganoush recipe, eggplant dip recipe, healthy dip recipes
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes
    Servings 4 servings as an appetizer
    Calories 240 kcal
    Author Marie

    Ingredients

    • 2 large eggplants
    • 1 to 2 large garlic cloves minced (start with one clove)
    • ½ cup tahini paste
    • ¼ cup lemon juice about 2 lemons
    • ½ tsp ground cumin
    • a pinch of salt more to taste

    To serve - optional

    • a few parsley leaves
    • a drizzle of olive oil
    • a sprinkle of paprika
    • pita chips try my easy homemade recipe - link see tips
    • cut up veggies cucumber, carrots, peppers, radish…

    Instructions

    Roast the Eggplants

    1. There are two ways to roast the eggplants to make baba ganoush. You can either roast them in the oven – it’s hands-off and easy – or roast them over the gas range – my favorite method because it gives them a wonderful smoky flavor.

    Gas Range Method (Recommended)

    1. Pierce the eggplants all over with a fork, to prevent them from exploding while roasting.
    2. Place the eggplants directly on top of the gas range grate (one range for each eggplant) and turn the flame to medium or high. Roast the eggplant over the flame for about 20-30 minutes, turning them one quarter every 5 minutes or so with a tong. Once they are charred and the skin looks almost burnt, remove them from the flame and let them cool.

    Oven Roasting Method

    1. Preheat oven to 440F/220C degrees.
    2. Pierce the eggplants all over with a fork, to prevent them from exploding while roasting.
    3. Place them on a baking sheet and cook for about 30 minutes or until it’s tender and collapsing. Start checking around the 20 minutes marks because all ovens are different.
    4. Remove from the oven and let cool.
    5. Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, open them in half with your hands and scrape the pulp off the skin (If you roasted the eggplants over the range and the skin is almost falling off, chop off the stems and peel the eggplant with your hand). Place the pulp in a large bowl.
    6. Add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic (start with one clove), cumin and a pinch of salt.
    7. Using a fork, mash to combine everything together and break down any stringy part of the eggplant. Taste and adjust to your liking: another garlic clove, a bit more lemon juice, some tahini or more salt. It’s perfect to my taste as written, but make it yours!
    8. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with a few parsley leaves and a dash of paprika. Serve with pita chips and veggies to dip.

    Recipe Notes

    • Extract moisture: By roasting the eggplant, we have already eliminated a lot of the liquid. If you feel there is still too much liquid in the flesh, let the eggplant rest in a strainer for a few minutes and stir it to release even more.
    • I mix the dip by hand as I like mine with some texture to it, plus it's really easy as roasted eggplant easily falls apart when you stir it with a fork. You could use a food processor but as I said, better by hand. 
    • Don't skimp on the salt!  Eggplant is somewhat bitter, and adding salt can reduce that bitterness considerably. This Middle Eastern eggplant dip deserves to live up to its full potential so make sure it’s properly seasoned so add that salt, that paprika, and that parsley.
    • Choose eggplants that are shiny and smooth and feel heavy for their size. Large eggplants tend to contain more seeds, which can produce a bothersome texture. So, you can totally use 4 smaller eggplants rather than 2 large ones. Not that overripe eggplants taste more bitter so don't store them for too long.
    Nutrition Facts
    Baba Ganoush
    Amount Per Serving (1 /4)
    Calories 240 Calories from Fat 144
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 16g25%
    Saturated Fat 2g13%
    Sodium 112mg5%
    Potassium 677mg19%
    Carbohydrates 21g7%
    Fiber 8g33%
    Sugar 8g9%
    Protein 7g14%
    Vitamin A 75IU2%
    Vitamin C 12.5mg15%
    Calcium 63mg6%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    If you tried this Baba Ganoush Recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and let me know how it went in the comments – I love hearing from you! You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook for more deliciousness and behind-the-scenes!

    More healthy dip recipes you will love:

    • Creamy Avocado Dip
    • Pomegranate Hummus 
    • Homemade Tzatziki 
    • Light Peanut Butter & Greek Yogurt Dessert Dip 

     

    « 25+ Easy & Healthy Kosher for Passover Recipes
    Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili »
    712 shares
     

    Don't miss out on the good stuff!

    Sign up below to receive our weekly recipe digest. No spam, only the good stuff!

    Thank you for subscribing!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sisley White

      April 10, 2020 at 4:33 pm

      This is looks so gorgeous. I have an aubergine that needs using up and I now know what to do with it.

      • Marie

        April 12, 2020 at 10:02 am

        I see baba ganoush in your future 😉 Thanks Sisley!

    2. Toni

      April 10, 2020 at 4:47 pm

      That looks really flavorful!! I am sure my family will love it!

    3. Ellen

      April 10, 2020 at 5:16 pm

      A friend introduced me to Baba Ganoush a few years ago but I've never made it at home. I can't wait to try your recipe. It looks delicious!

      • Marie

        April 12, 2020 at 10:01 am

        Thanks Ellen, hope you give it a go, it's really easy!

    4. Alison

      April 10, 2020 at 5:34 pm

      I just love baba ganoush! I fact, I love it more than hummus. While I've made my own hummus before I've never tried to make baba ganoush until I found this easy to follow recipe! Now I can enjoy it anytime at home.

      • Marie

        April 12, 2020 at 10:01 am

        Yay, thanks for sharing Alison!

    5. Heidy

      April 10, 2020 at 5:53 pm

      This baba ganoush was really creamy and so delish, I will be keeping this recipe to make again for our gatherings when things get back to normal. Until then I will make it enjoyable on my own lol!! More for me!

      • Marie

        April 12, 2020 at 10:00 am

        Yes, more for you!! haha

    6. Shannon

      April 10, 2020 at 7:29 pm

      This looks delicious! I've been wanting to make baba ganoush for a while now, can't wait to make this!

    7. Hamad ali

      June 06, 2020 at 6:57 pm

      Yummy.

    Primary Sidebar

    Footer

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Subscribe
    • Privacy Policy

    Recipes

    • Main Dishes
    • Breakfast / Brunch
    • Salads
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Healthy Desserts
    • View All Recipes

    ↑ back to top

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2012-2020 Not Enough Cinnamon. All rights reserved.