The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (2024)

Published September 11, 2020.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This baba ganoush recipe is incredibly easy to make and jam-packed with delicious eggplant, roasted garlic, and tahini flavors!

In our house, we love having a variety of things to eat at our dinner table, the more side dishes to accompany the main entrees the better. If this is you too, then definitely check out my hummus recipe and my pita recipe.

The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (1)

Baba Ganoush

This appetizer, or side dish, is a classic levant region recipe consisting of mashed cooked eggplant that is mixed with seasonings, olive oil, lemon juice, and tahini. Interestingly enough the baba ganoush we eat most often in the United States is actually something called Mutabbal.

Authentic baba ganoush does not use tahini and is usually garnished with pomegranate molasses or seeds and olive oil while being mixed with tomatoes and other veggies. So as not to confuse anyone, we’ll stick with the version we most commonly eat here in the US.

Ingredients and Substitutions

There are few ingredients in this recipe making it easy to make and extremely full-flavored. Here is what you will most often find in this classic recipe:

  • Egg Plant: A purple spongy absorbent fruit that has a thick peeling on the outside. You can find quite a bit of size and different breeds, but any will do for this recipe.
  • Tahini: Simply ground up sesame seeds and you can purchase raw or toasted from the store.
  • Roasted Garlic: I prefer to make garlic confit instead because it tastes better, it’s easier to do and in the end, you have roasted garlic olive oil.
  • Lemon Juice: This will provide some much-needed acid to the recipe as well as cut some of the spice and oftentimes bitter flavors from the eggplant.
  • Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil will provide more flavor but fine to use just virgin olive oil.
  • Cumin: This earthy ground spice is a staple in this recipe.
  • Cayenne: Spicy ground pepper gives fantastic flavor to baba ganoush.

How to Make Baba Ganoush From Scratch

Follow these easy to follow instructions for making this amazing recipe:

Add some peeled garlic to olive oil and lightly simmer it over low heat for about 45 minutes or until browned and softened. Drain the oil from the garlic and set both aside.

The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (2)

Cook the eggplant directly onto a hot grill (450° to 550°) turning often to cook all sides until roasted and softened about 20-25 minutes.

The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (3)

Remove the eggplant and let it cool slightly before slicing in half and removing the cooked fruit inside. Discard the skins.

The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (4)

Add the eggplant to a food processor along with lemon juice, tahini, cumin, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper, and cayenne and pulse on high speed.

The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (5)

Slowly drizzle in the roasted garlic olive oil while processing the dip until it is smooth. Serve.

The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (6)

Is it Healthy?

Baba ganoush is pretty low in calories, at 85 per 1/3 cup, and is loaded with mostly healthy fats and ingredients. Just like anything, it should be eaten in moderation but don’t worry because this guilt-free dip is absolutely delicious. `

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: This can be made up to 1 day ahead of time. Simply keep it covered in the refrigerator until it is ready to be served.

How to Store: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Baba Ganoush does not freeze well.

The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (7)

chef notes + tips

  • This recipe would be traditionally made by chopping it or anything to help mash and keep it slightly chunky. However, you know I’m not a huge eggplant fan so I like it a bit smoother. You can try either way.
  • If you would like to make a classic baba ganoush instead of Mutabbal, remove the tahini, and garnish with pomegranate syrup or seeds, as well as olive oil. In addition, there is no need to process it in a food processor, simply chop with a knife or mash with a fork.
  • You can use either raw or roasted tahini in this recipe.
  • I enjoy the extra added garlic cloves, however, in a classic recipe, the amount would be cut down by 1/2 or 1/3.
  • If cayenne is too spicy simply substitute with paprika.
  • Cumin would not be classically used but in small amounts, it will help enhance the flavor.
  • There will be plenty of garlic confit and roasted garlic olive oil left over after this recipe and both will keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  • When the eggplant is done roasting the outside skin will firm up and be slightly crispy.
  • Consider poking holes in the eggplant before baking it in the oven so that it does not explode.
The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (8)

More Dip Recipes

  • Hummus
  • Beer Cheese
  • Smoked Salmon
  • Bean
  • Spinach and Artichoke

Be sure to follow me onFacebook,YouTube,Instagram,andPinterest,and if you’ve had a chance to make this then definitely drop me a comment and a rating below!

The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (9)

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The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe

The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (10)

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5 from 10 votes

This baba ganoush recipe is incredibly easy to make and jam-packed with delicious eggplant, roasted garlic, and tahini flavors!

Servings: 4 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplant, about 3 pounds total
  • ¼ cup garlic confit
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • ¼ cup garlic confit oil
  • sea salt to taste

Instructions

Notes

Chef Notes:

Make-Ahead: This can be made up to 1 day ahead of time. Simply keep it covered in the refrigerator until it is ready to be served.

How to Store: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Baba Ganoush does not freeze well.

This recipe would be traditionally made by chopping it or anything to help mash and keep it slightly chunky. However, you know I’m not a huge eggplant fan so I like it a bit smoother. You can try either way.

If you would like to make a classic baba ganoush instead of Mutabbal, remove the tahini, and garnish with pomegranate syrup or seeds, as well as olive oil. In addition, there is no need to process it in a food processor, simply chop with a knife or mash with a fork.

You can use either raw or roasted tahini in this recipe.

I enjoy the extra added garlic cloves, however, in a classic recipe, the amount would be cut down by 1/2 or 1/3.

If cayenne is too spicy simply substitute with paprika.

Cumin would not be classically used but in small amounts, it will help enhance the flavor.

There will be plenty of garlic confit and roasted garlic olive oil left over after this recipe and both will keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

When the eggplant is done roasting the outside skin will firm up and be slightly crispy.

Consider poking holes in the eggplant before baking it in the oven so that it does not explode.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 12mgPotassium: 636mgFiber: 8gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 105IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 2mg

Course: apeptizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: israeli, lebanese

Author: Chef Billy Parisi

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17 comments

    • Sonia
    • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (11)

    Soooo good!

    • Reply
    • Cathy
    • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (12)

    This is absolutely the BEST BaBa recipe! It is one of my favorites to make and share w others w fresh cut veggies!

    • Reply
    • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (14)

        so good!!

        • Reply
      • Teresa

      Perfectly named “Best Baba Ganoush Recipe”. This one never lets me down. Everyone always asks for the recipe.

      • Reply
      • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (15)

          awesome

          • Reply
        • Susan Schindler
        • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (16)

        I have made this dish many times but Billy’s is by far, the BEST! I make it for every family party!

        • Reply
        • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (17)

            Appreciate it!

            • Reply
          • Nenita
          • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (18)

          Thank you for this amazing recipe 🙏🏼!!
          I just made it and it’s delicious A+ love it 😍 I followed all your instructions.

          • Reply
          • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (19)

              thanks for giving it a shot!!

              • Reply
            • Sunitha Gupta
            • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (20)

            I made the baba ganoush over the Super Bowl weekend and it turned out so delicious. Everyone loved it. It’s a keeper. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

            • Reply
            • Lisa Barringer

            “Consider poking holes in the eggplant before baking it in the oven so that it does not explode.” I don’t see the directions for baking instead of grilling the eggplant. I don’t have a grill, so I will have to put it in the oven. 450? On a baking sheet? Same time?

            • Reply
            • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (21)

                Same temp and time as the grill

                • Reply
              • Donna
              • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (22)

              I just made this for a healthy dip for raw veggies. I was skeptical because I’m not a fan of tahini and eggplant isn’t my fav but the combination of ingredients is delicious and creamy. I didn’t use a blender or food processor, just a fork to mash ingredients. Bravo Billy!

              • Reply
              • Bridget
              • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (23)

              Delicious! This was a huge hit.

              • Reply
              • Rehab
              • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (24)

              Thanks for sharing, chef Billy!
              This recipe is great, it looks very delicious, I make it with yogurt and serve it with grills, I love Baba Ghanoush, and I love your recipe too.👌❤

              • Reply
              • Jean Nielson
              • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (25)

              great, will make again!

              • Reply
            The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe (2024)

            FAQs

            How do you get the bitterness out of baba ganoush? ›

            If your Baba Ganoush tastes bitter, add a half teaspoon of baking soda at a time and blend well (tasting in between) to remove bitterness from the dish.

            What are the ingredients for baba ganoush? ›

            Baba ganoush is a Mediterranean eggplant dip made from roasted or grilled eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Like hummus, it's delicious with pita or fresh veggies, but its silky texture and irresistible smoky flavor set it apart.

            What is the difference between baba ganoush and Baba Ghanouj? ›

            Baba ganoush (also known as baba ghanouj or baba ghanoush) is one of the most popular dips in Lebanese cuisine—and at my table! That is because the flavor of this creamy dip is so bright and smokey. It's luscious texture goes with dippers of every sort: crackers, pita chips, pita wedges, fresh veggies, you name it.

            Is baba ganoush healthier than hummus? ›

            3) Health – Both dishes are very healthy, but baba ganoush has a slight edge here with more vitamins from the eggplant and a lower calorie count. 4) Big meal to come – Get baba ganoush, it's less filling than hummus.

            Why does baba ganoush taste bad? ›

            Baba Ghanoush may taste bitter due to factors like the choice of eggplant, insufficient roasting, or the use of too much garlic, lemon juice, or low-quality tahini.

            Is baba ganoush healthy or unhealthy? ›

            Yes, baba ganoush is healthy. The main ingredient is eggplant, which is low in calories and carbohydrates and high in fiber. It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin K. It's also lower in calories than hummus since it's mostly made of eggplant versus chickpeas.

            What pairs well with baba ganoush? ›

            What to Serve With Baba Ganoush. Serve room temperature baba ganoush alongside labneh, pickles, and fresh pita bread, pita chips, or flatbread, cut into wedges for easy dipping. It's a naturally gluten-free dip that pairs well with fresh vegetables.

            Which tastes better hummus or baba ganoush? ›

            If you prefer chickpeas over eggplants, then hummus it is. If eggplants taste better for you, then baba ganoush. Nonetheless, there is actually no need to choose between the two. If you don't have a specific preference, it is okay if you choose both—both can go well with pita bread after all.

            Why does baba ganoush taste like cigarettes? ›

            Now don't get me wrong, hummus is just as delicious. But this dip has an insanely scrumptious smoky flavor – all thanks to the method of charring eggplants on a grill.

            Do the Greeks eat baba ganoush? ›

            Baba Ghanoush is eaten in many Middle Eastern countries such as Syria, Lebanon and extending as far as the territorial reach of the Ottoman empire. But Baba Ghanoush also is big in Brazil and West India. Romanians and Greeks also consume the appetizer.

            How long does baba ganoush last in the refrigerator? ›

            Homemade baba ganoush can be stored in the fridge in a tight-lid container for about 4 days or so (some say up to a week, but mine never lasts that long).

            What does baba ganoush mean in English? ›

            What is baba ganoush? In Arabic, “baba” means father and “ghanoush” means spoiled. This “spoiled dad” dip is the creamier companion to hummus. Popular in Arab countries throughout the Middle East, it is also a common appetizer on the Sephardic Jewish table. In Israel, it is known as eggplant salad, or Salat Hatzilim.

            Do you eat baba ganoush hot or cold? ›

            I like to let my leftover baba ganoush warm to room temperature before serving, but others prefer it chilled, so I'll leave this up to you. For a lighter dip: You can reduce the olive oil to as little as 2 to 3 tablespoons. Your dip won't be as rich and creamy, but it will still be very good!

            What nationality makes baba ganoush? ›

            The Oxford English Dictionary defines “baba ganoush” as “a Middle Eastern (originally Lebanese) dish of puréed roasted aubergine, garlic, and tahini.” Often other ingredients are added, like mint, onions, and various spices.

            How do you counteract bitterness of tahini? ›

            If it is too bitter, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey. And if the flavor is too sharp, mellow it with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon olive oil.

            Does salting eggplant remove bitterness? ›

            Sure, the shape and color and size were probably different than the eggplants we eat now, but the most noticeable difference was the flavor. Once upon a time, eggplants tasted incredibly bitter, and salting them before cooking helped to draw out and eliminate some of that astringency.

            How do you fix bitter taste in hummus? ›

            If you've already made a batch and it's bitter, instead of throwing it out, just double the quantities of all of the other ingredients to dilute the flavour a bit… Don't worry you can freeze half if it's too much.

            What can I eat to get rid of bitterness? ›

            Eat food rich in zinc

            Include in your diet food that are rich in zinc such as dark chocolate, broccoli, okra, spinach, shellfish, oysters,oatmeal because these foods contain neuropeptide that help to stimulate food intake, making your taste buds much better.

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