BABA GHANOUSH (MIDDLE EASTERN EGGPLANT DIP)

SERVES 8

Baba ghanoush offers a brilliant balance of flavor and texture. It is simultaneously light and creamy, and the roasted eggplant offers a hint of smoke. The tahini adds depth and body, while the olive oil lends a fruity finish.

As you make this dish several times, experiment with adjusting ingredients like tahini and lemon juice to your liking.

INGREDIENTS

2 medium eggplants

½ cup/75 g organic tahini

3 cloves garlic

¼ cup/60 ml extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp/30 ml fresh lemon juice

½ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp cumin

⅛ tsp cayenne

1 tbsp/3 g fresh parsley, minced (garnish)

¼ tsp paprika (garnish)

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C. Pierce each eggplant in several places with a fork and place on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven until soft (about 1 hour), turning over once. Allow eggplant to cool. Once cooled cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh and place in a medium-sized bowl. Discard the peel. Add the remaining ingredients (tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, cumin and cayenne) except parsley and paprika to the same bowl. Use a fork to mash together and mix until well combined. Garnish with parsley and paprika.