Baba Ghanoush with Roasted Garlic

I'm sure you've heard of hummus, but have you heard of hummus's less popular brother baba ghanoush? I prefer it any day over hummus. My husband doesn't care for eggplant and he even likes baba ghanoush. Try this recipe and it may convert another eggplant hater!

What's the difference? Hummus = chickpeas and baba ghanoush= eggplant.

Here's how to make my scrumptiouos and healthy baba ghanoush! Did I mention how quick and easy it was? Check it out!

Enjoy with your favorite toasted pita bread!

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplant cut into 1 inch cubes
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 head roasted garlic
• 1/3 c kalamata olives
• 1/3 c tahini paste
• 1/3 c parsley
• 1 tsp mint leaves
•  1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Let's roast some garlic! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Peel the outer layer of garlic peeling off slightly. Drizzle about 1 tbsp of regular olive oil over the head of garlic. Wrap in aluminum foil bundle. Bake for about 30-40 minutes until soft. Let cool!

Tip: Roast garlic instead of using raw so those who are sensitive to raw garlic (me) can enjoy the taste of garlic in many recipes.

Toss the garlic bundle in the oven and forget about it! Well, don't entirely forget about it. 

Peel the garlic and set aside. It should be soft, creamy and very fragrant.

 2. Cut eggplant into 1 inch cubes. Drizzle with about 2 tbsp regular olive oil until coated. Add salt and pepper. Bake in 400 degree oven until fork tender and golden. About 25-35 minutes. Let cool!

Thanks Luckett Farms for the delicious summer eggplant!

 3. Get your handy blender out and get ready to blend! Add the cooled roasted garlic and eggplant to the blender. 

 4. Add the kalamata olives and give it a quick blend to combine the ingredients. No need to puree completely at this point.

 

5. Add the other ingredients: tahini, parsley, mint, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon, red pepper flakes and salt & pepper. Blend until smooth!

Tip: Always taste as you go! Add seasoning as needed during each phrase of the recipe.

Feel free to adjust the flavors to suit your palate. It's done!

Finish the baba ghanoush with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a kalamata olive. Enjoy with your favorite pita bread. Recipes for pictured greek grilled pork, tzatziki, rice pilaf and feta dressing will be coming in future posts.

Bring this to as an appetizer to a football game this season! People will think you worked your tail off to make it. You don't have to tell them how easy it was to make!

Until next time,

Randee