Eggplant Aubergine Dip Recipes

BABA GANOUSH RECIPE

Steps:

• First, smoke or grill the eggplant. Turn one gas burner on medium-high. Place the eggplant directly over the flame. Using a pair of tongs, turn the eggplant every 5 minutes or so until it is tender and the skin is charred and crispy on all sides (20 minutes.) The eggplant should deflate and become super tender. supposed to. If you don't have a gas burner you can use a grill. You can also roast the eggplant in the oven (see notes).
• Remove the eggplant from the heat and transfer it to a large colander over a bowl. Allow it to sit and drain for a few minutes until fully cooled and all excess water has been drained (it helps if you open the eggplant up a bit and push on it with a knife or a spoon to help it release its juices).
• Once the eggplant is cool enough to touch, peel the charred crispy skin off (it should come right off). Discard the skin and the stem (don't worry if a few bits of the skin remain, that is just added flavor).
• Transfer the cooked and fully drained eggplant to a bowl. Use a fork to break it down into smaller pieces. Add the tahini paste, garlic, lemon juice, Greek yogurt (if using) salt, pepper, sumac, Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or a fork until well-combined.
• Cover the baba ganoush and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.
• To serve, transfer the baba ganoush to a rimmed serving dish or a bowl. Top with a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and toasted pine nuts, if you like. Serve with pita wedges or pita chips and veggies of your choice!

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) DIP

Steps:

• Place eggplant on oven tray. Bake, uncovered, in moderate oven 180°C about 40 minutes or until soft.
• Remove eggplant and place eggplant in paper bag for 10 minutes.
• Remove and discard eggplant skin, chop flesh.
• Blend or process eggplant with remaining ingredients until smooth. You may need to add more yoghurt depending how smooth or thick you prefer your dip. Cover, refrigerate until cold.

DEEP FRIED EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE)

Steps:

• In 3 small bowls: put flour in the 1st, egg and 1/2 teaspoons salt (whisked together) in the 2nd, bread crumbs and remaining seasonings in the 3rd.
• Cut eggplant in 1/4 inch thick slices and then quarter slices.
• Dredge each piece of eggplant in the flour, coating thoroughly, then shaking off excess.
• Dip in egg mixture, then press into bread crumbs.
• Transfer to a rack or paper towel to allow them to dry slightly.
• In a deep heavy skillet, heat 1/2-3/4 inch of oil to 375 degrees F.
• Fry the eggplant in batches for 1 minute on each side or until golden.
• Drain on paper towels; sprinkle lightly with salt before serving if desired.
• Serve with dipping sauce.