Baba Ghanoush

The eggplant and chilies in this Middle-Eastern spread can be roasted in the oven, or grilled outside.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Eggplants (About 2 Pounds)
• 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 2 Tbsp. Tahini (Sesame Seed Paste)
• 2 Tbsp. Plain Whole-Milk or Greek Yogurt
• 2-3 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
• 1-2 tsp. Aleppo Chile, Crushed
• 1-2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Unflavored
• Sea Salt, Coarse
• Black Pepper, Coarse Ground
• Fresh Parsley, Minced, for Garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Turn on oven to broiler setting, or prepare grill for use at medium-high heat. Poke each eggplant 5-6 times with a fork. Put eggplants in a foil-lined roasting pan, or on the grill. Broil or grill, turning the eggplants a couple times, until the eggplants are very tender, about 20 minutes.
2. Cut off the stem-ends of the eggplants, and then halve the eggplants lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp from inside the skin of the eggplant, and transfer to a colander. Let any residual liquid drain out, about 5 min. Coarsely chop the drained eggplant pulp; this should yield about 2 cups.
3. Transfer eggplant pulp to a bowl, and mix in the minced garlic.
4. In another bowl, combine tahini, yogurt, and lemon juice to make a smooth paste. Add this mixture to eggplant and garlic mixture; add salt, pepper, and Aleppo chile to taste. If spread is too chunky for your taste, blend in a food processor or blender briefly, adding olive oil as needed, until desired consistency is achieved.
5. Drizzle top of spread with olive oil and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
6. Garnish with minced fresh parsley. Serve with pita or other flatbread, or with raw or lightly steamed vegetables. Also makes a great spread for bagels.

RECIPE TIPS

• May optionally substitute Paprika, Hungarian Hot or Paprika, Smoked Sweet for the Aleppo Pepper
• For extra zing, you can also add roasted, diced hot peppers such as poblano or jalapeno.
• To keep the recipe dairy-free/vegan, use more tahini and/or olive oil in place of the yogurt.
• Can be made up to several days ahead.

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience with us in the comments below.