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–+ servings
Baba Ganoush served in a shallow bowl drizzled with olive oil and topped with pomegranate seeds, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika on a rustic wooden board

Baba Ganoush

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large globe eggplants about 2 lbs total
  • 3 tablespoons tahini good quality, well-stirred
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from about 1.5 lemons
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling to serve
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley roughly chopped, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate arils optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Char the eggplants: If using a gas stove, place each whole eggplant directly on the grate over a medium-high open flame. If using a broiler, place eggplants on a foil-lined baking sheet under the broiler set to high. If using a grill, place over direct high heat. Cook, turning every 4 to 5 minutes with tongs, until the skin is completely blackened all over and the eggplant feels very soft and collapsed when pressed — about 15 to 25 minutes depending on method.
  • Drain the eggplants: Transfer the charred eggplants to a colander set over the sink or a bowl. Let them sit and drain for at least 10 to 15 minutes to release excess liquid.
  • Scoop the flesh: Once cool enough to handle, split each eggplant open and scoop out the soft flesh with a large spoon, discarding the charred skin. If the flesh seems very watery, gently press it in a clean kitchen towel to remove additional moisture.
  • Mix the dip: Transfer the eggplant flesh to a large bowl. Add the tahini, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and kosher salt. Stir vigorously with a fork or wooden spoon, breaking up the eggplant as you go, until the mixture is mostly smooth but still has some texture. Alternatively, pulse briefly in a food processor — do not over-blend.
  • Taste and adjust: Taste the Baba Ganoush and adjust seasoning as needed — more salt for depth, more lemon juice for brightness, or more tahini for richness.
  • Serve: Spread the Baba Ganoush into a wide, shallow serving bowl, using the back of a spoon to create swirls on the surface. Drizzle generously with extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle with smoked paprika, fresh parsley, and pomegranate arils if using. Serve with warm pita bread and fresh vegetables.

Notes

Make ahead: Baba Ganoush stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually deepens overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving and add a fresh drizzle of olive oil. Smoky tip: For maximum smokiness on an electric stove, use the broiler on high and position the eggplant as close to the heating element as possible. Charcoal grill option: Charring over hot charcoal imparts an even deeper, more complex smoke than gas — highly recommended if you have one available. Garlic: For a milder, sweeter garlic flavor, roast a whole head of garlic alongside the eggplant and squeeze the softened cloves into the dip instead of raw garlic.
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