Description
A creamy, flavorful baba ganoush recipe without tahini, featuring roasted eggplants blended with garlic, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and warming spices. This Middle Eastern appetizer is perfect as a dip served with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for roasting)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
- Olive oil drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Eggplants: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prick the eggplants several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the skin is charred and the flesh feels very soft when pierced.
- Cool and Scoop: Remove the eggplants from the oven and allow them to cool slightly until safe to handle. Cut them open and scoop out the soft flesh, discarding the charred skins.
- Drain Excess Liquid: Place the eggplant flesh in a fine-mesh sieve and gently press to remove excess moisture. This helps keep the dip thick and creamy.
- Mix and Mash: Transfer the drained flesh to a bowl. Add olive oil, minced garlic, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, lemon juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mash everything together with a fork for a chunkier texture or pulse briefly in a food processor for a smoother consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the baba ganoush into a serving bowl and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For an enhanced smoky flavor, roast the eggplants over an open flame or grill instead of the oven.
- This recipe omits tahini but maintains creaminess and rich flavor by using Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Adjust the garlic and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
