Welcome to day 9 of 10 naturally vegan series. Yesterday, I shared Gado-Gado, a versatile salad with an incredible peanut sauce from Indonesia. Click here to check it out! On day nine, we head to Lebanon for Baba Ganoush.
As we have seen with most of the dishes I have covered in this series, Baba Ganoush can be made in a myriad of ways and is enjoyed by all 22 countries in the Middle East. Originally from Lebanon, Baba Ganoush is served as a mezze ‘starter’ alongside hummus, labneh, pita bread, olives, and tabbouleh.
The eggplant is baked or broiled over an open flame, so the pulp is soft and has a smoky taste. This flavor profile is "smoky," "rich," and "creamy." Once roasted, it is mixed with lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, and seasonings.
The texture of Baba Ganoush is almost fluffy, with a rich, creamy mouthfeel. It's smoky and earthy from the eggplant and bright lemon juice and garlic. The tahini adds nuttiness.
The first time I had Baba Ganoush was at a Mediterranean restaurant in Montreal; a bit tipsy off wine and paired with falafel, it was the most fantastic thing I ever tasted. I loved it. As a person who doesn't enjoy eggplant, the use of eggplant here was outstanding and so delicate.
If you're a fan of hummus, this eggplant-based dip will be right up your alley, and if you've ever had Baba Ganoush at a Mediterranean restaurant, you know how addictive it is to munch on. The creamy texture and intensely savory flavor are impossible to resist.
Baba Ganoush makes a delicious vegan spread that doesn't skimp on flavor or richness. Traditionally enjoyed with pita, I've also enjoyed it with tostones (oddly, the combination works), in sandwiches, falafel, and pretzels.
I didn’t follow a recipe here just by taste. I baked the eggplant at 400F for 60 minutes, wrapped it in aluminum foil, and let it cool while putting the other ingredients into a food processor. Juice one lemon, about 1/4-1/2 cup tahini, five garlic cloves, a heavy pinch of salt, and puree. Drizzle in the olive oil until the dip comes together and is fluffy.
Tomorrow is the last and final day of the series. Have you discovered new dishes? Anything you are down to make at home? Let me know!
See you tomorrow for day 10!