Rich and smoky baba ganoush using 6 ingredients and no grill or gas stove required! This amazing roasted eggplant dip is a a great make-ahead dish as it tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge.
BROIL and ROAST THE EGGPLANT. Set the broil fo your oven to high. Prick the eggplant with a fork and place on a foil-line baking sheet. Broil, turning frequently, until the skin blackens and the skin begins to feel soft. Without removing the eggplants in the oven, turn broiler off and heat oven to 375 F. Continue roasting the eggplants until they are very tender, about 15-20 minutes. (Note 1) Test by inserting a toothpick or skewer near the stem and bottom ends. Remove the eggplants from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. (Note 2)
MAKE THE TAHINI MIXTURE. While waiting for the eggplants to cool, combine tahini (Note 3), garlic, lemon juice, and cumin in a medium bowl.
MASH THE EGGPLANTS. Peel the skin off the eggplants and drain excess liquid. Mash eggplant into the tahini mixture with a fork until it is smooth but with some texture remaining. (Note 4) Season with salt then taste and adjust with more lemon juice, salt, and/or tahini, if needed.
SERVING AND STORAGE. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with parsley before serving. (Note 5) Can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
(Note 1) Broiling and Baking time may vary depending on the size of your eggplants. Watch the eggplants closely when broiling.
(Note 2) You can omit the broiling step and just bake the eggplant entirely in the oven. It's still delicious, but the smoky taste really adds another flavor dimension. It is worth the extra effort!
(Note 3) Tahini is a condiment made from toasted ground sesame seed and has the texture and look of peanut butter. It is commonly found in supermarkets nowadays and the price is fairly cheap. Look in the international or Mediterranean foods aisle and it should be there. Don't skip this ingredient!
(Note 4) Alternatively, you can use a food processor or blender if you want a smoother and creamier texture.
(Note 5) Pair with sliced vegetables, pita, or with these naan dippers.
(Note 6) Kick your baba ganoush up a notch by roasting the garlic with the eggplant. To do this drizzle garlic with olive oil and salt, then wrap in foil. Roast in the oven together with eggplant.