Baba Ganoush without Tahini

Why? Because in some places, tahini is not easy to find. Also, we can explore subtle taste and nutrition changes with almost the same beloved recipe.

Baba Ganoush

Credit Polly F

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What is Baba Ganoush?

Baba Ganoush is a classic Mediterranean eggplant dip. It is so beloved that the French call it “eggplant caviar.”

You will find it in Modern cuisine throughout the Mediterranean, but it is more common in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Where does Baba Ganoush come from?

Its origins are unclear, but it is safe to assume it comes from the Levant. This region includes countries like Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Syria, and Egypt.

The name means “spoiled daddy” in Arabic, so it is safe to say that people consider it delicious.

Ingredients

Baba Ganoush

Credit David lebovitz

Two medium eggplants
2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice
Two crushed cloves of garlic
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Olive oil (strongly recommended and extra virgin olive oil preferred)

Tahini Substitute

Cashew Nut Butter Resemblance

Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med

Any nut butter you like. I recommend cashew nut butter. It is creamy and delicious.
Greek Yogurt.
For this recipe, we are substituting 1/4 cup (60 ml) of tahini for approximately the same amount of nut butter or Greek Yogurt.

If you choose nut butter, protein and fat contents will rise slightly. Adjust to taste.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the eggplants in half, place them on the prepared baking sheet, and cut side down.
Roast the eggplants for 45-60 minutes or until you can see the skin is charred and the flesh is very soft.
Let the eggplants cool, then scoop out the flesh and place it in a bowl.
Add the lemon juice, garlic, cumin, parsley, and salt to the bowl. At this point, add the tahini substitute (nut butter or Greek Yogurt)
Mash the ingredients together until well combined.
Drizzle with olive oil and additional parsley.

Serve with

Pita bread or pita chips, ideally, but it works well with any bread and chips you like.

Pitta Bread

Credit Tony Worrall Photography

Tips and ideas

For the best Baba Ganoush, roast the eggplants over a flame.

Cooking them in the oven is cleaner, but it is definitely not the same.

Some people cook them in the microwave, and yes, this is faster, but the taste worsens. It is more bland.

You can drizzle some paprika as a finishing touch. But it is not canonical.

Whatever you do, I encourage you to experiment to find the best version of Baba Ganoush that suits your taste.
Suggested substitutes for tahini include nut butter like cashew and almond butter, sunflower seed butter, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seed butter, among others.

Baba Ganoush Resemblance

Credit Alberto Conde, Kitchen in the Med

Baba Ganoush FAQ

What is Baba Ganoush? Baba ganoush is a Mediterranean eggplant dip made from roasted or grilled eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. It has a smoky, savory, and creamy flavor. You will find it as a dip with pita bread or raw vegetables.
Is baba ganoush the same thing as hummus? While baba ganoush and hummus are popular Mediterranean dips, they are different. Baba ganoush is made with eggplant, while hummus is made with chickpeas. They have distinct flavors and ingredients, but people often serve both dishes together with pita bread and raw vegetables.
What are the traditional ingredients in baba ganoush? The traditional ingredients in baba ganoush include roasted or grilled eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. These ingredients contribute to its characteristic smoky, creamy, and savory taste.
How to make baba ganoush? To make baba ganoush, you typically roast or grill the eggplant until it’s charred and the flesh is soft. Then, blend the eggplant with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
Where does Baba Ganoush originate? Food enthusiasts engage in a friendly dispute over the origin of Baba Ganoush. Many believe it originated in the Levant, encompassing countries like Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, and Syria. However, some speculate it originated in Egypt around 1000 years ago, later spreading to other Middle Eastern regions. The dish is famous across the Middle East.