What is Baba Ganoush? And how do you say that?! Baba ganoush (baa·buh guh·nush) is irresistibly smooth and luxurious, smoky, and savoury. Baba ganoush is similar to hummus, but instead of chickpeas, it’s a blend of smokey/grilled roasted aubergines (and no oil). In its most basic form, baba ganoush is made with aubergine (brinjals), tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt. The addition of ground cumin, smoked paprika and fresh parsley takes it to the next level.
Both dips originated in the Eastern Mediterranean, and they’re often served together with pita bread and raw, crisp veggies. You can use baba ganoush like you would hummus—as a dip or spread. Ready to make some?! Follow this easy recipe.
The aubergines can be roasted in the oven, whole in the air fryer, on the gas stove or grilled on the braai. Want to make the BEST baba ganoush? Read our tips in the notes below.
Prep time 15 minutes
Cooking time 20 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
Directions
Ingredients
For the Baba Ganoush:
2 large aubergines
1 small garlic clove
60 ml (1/4 cup) tahini paste
Zest of 1 lemon and juice of ½
Salt and black pepper, to taste
To Serve:
Olive oil
Chilli flakes* optional
Herbs, of your choice
El Burro Tortilla Chips
Celery sticks
Mixed bell pepper, cut into strips
Cucumber, cut into strips
Directions
For the Baba Ganoush:
Lightly oil both the aubergines and place them in the air fryer on 200°C for about 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool, cut both in half and remove the juicy flesh of the aubergines.
Add the remaining ingredients to the aubergine flesh, season, and mash together with a fork for a coarser texture and blend for a smoother baba ganoush texture.
If you would like a creamier baba ganoush add about 30 ml (2 Tbsp) of plain double cream yoghurt, however this is totally optional.
To Serve:
Place the baba ganoush in a pretty serving bowl and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of chilli flakes* and a few herbs of your choice.
Serve the baba ganoush with the El Burro Corn Chips, celery sticks, bell pepper and cucumber.
Additional Notes
TIPS for the best baba ganoush:
Roast the brinjals until they’ve collapsed on themselves and are super soft to ensure they are concentrated in flavour and that your dip is silky-smooth. At that point, it’s easy to flip over the eggplant and scoop out the insides/flesh.
Let the eggplant rest in a strainer for a few minutes to release excess moisture.
For texture – stir it up with a fork instead of in a blender. If you prefer a smoother dip, use a blender.
Salt it. This dip is really epic as long as it’s properly seasoned with salt.