Baba Ghanoush

Special Ed's Note:

I started eating this stuff after a great pita sandwich at the Pita Pit. I make mine with more garlic (cuz I don't have to suit everyone's taste, like a restaurant!). NOTE: the garbanzo's may offend a baba purist, but make for a stiffer spread and a different taste - try both ways and enjoy!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 2.0 cups

• 1 large eggplant, roasted
• 1 (14 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed (optional)
• 2 -3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 -3 tablespoons lemon juice (1 medium lemon)
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley

Directions:

1. Prick the skin of the eggplant and roast it at 400 degrees for 1 hour, or until the eggplant collapses.
2. Scoop the flesh out (everything but the skin), and add it to the food processor.
3. Add the other ingredients, and pulse until smooth.
4. Serve in a pita, or as a dip.
5. Note: this can be made without the garbanzos, but I like the flavor and texture they add.
6. You can use roasted garlic for a smoother taste - just wrap a head of garlic in aluminum foil and put it in with the eggplant!

Reviews

[Leb25]

Excellent. I subbed almond butter and a bit of toasted sesame oil and some ground toasted sesame seeds for the tahini (I think any nut butter would do fine, but almond butter is a pretty good sub since it's so mild). Also, added a touch of sriracha hot sauce. Tasted just like a restaurant, so I'm sold on it! I left out the garbanzos.

[chefdar]

So yummy! You really could do so much with this by adding different spices, but I just went with it as it is for the first time and I love it!!