Baba Ganouj Eggplant Dip With Sesame Oil Recipes

BABA GANOUJ - EGGPLANT DIP WITH SESAME OIL

Steps:

• Broil eggplants with skin on, turning frequently, until skin is lightly charred and eggplants are fairly soft.
• Alternately, slice eggplants in half lengthwise and place on an oiled cookie sheet.
• Broil in oven or bake at 450oF until fairly soft.
• Allow to cool enough to be handled.
• Remove most of skin, and mash eggplant.
• If you don't mind a little grayness in the color, allow a little charred skin in with the pulp; it will add a pleasant smoky flavor.
• Fit food processor with steel blade.
• With machine running, drop in garlic cloves.
• Add tahini, lemon juice, and water; blend until thoroughly combined.
• Add eggplant, and pulse until coarsely pureed.
• Add salt and red and black pepper to taste.
• Refrigerate for 1-2 hours for flavor to develop.
• Adjust seasonings, including tahini if desired.
• Garnish with parsley, pine nuts, and pomegranate seeds as desired.
• Serve with pita bread or veggies.

BABA GHANNOUJ: MIDDLE EASTERN EGGPLANT DIP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 F. Use a fork to poke some holes in the eggplant skin.
• Place eggplant directly on the middle oven rack and roast for 30 minutes, or until the outside is crisp and the inside is soft. Allow it to cool for 20 minutes.
• Cut open the eggplant and scoop out the flesh into a colander; allow to drain for 10 minutes. (Removing the excess liquid helps to eliminate a bitter flavor .)
• Place the eggplant flesh in a medium bowl. Add the remaining ingredients except for the 1 tablespoon olive oil and mash together until the eggplant becomes paste-like. Alternatively, you can also use a food processor and pulse for about 2 minutes.
• Slowly add the olive oil and mix quickly and thoroughly to make sure it emulsifies along with the rest of the ingredients. If using a food processor, turn it on low as you pour the olive oil through the feed tube.
• Place the eggplant dip in a serving bowl and top with the garnish of lemon juice and olive oil. Add other garnishes according to taste.
• Serve with warm or toasted pita or flatbread. Enjoy.