How to Make Chef John's Baba Ghanoush - A Step-by-Step Guide

Baba Ghanoush is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, and various seasonings. It's a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer with pita bread, as a spread in sandwiches, or as a side dish with grilled meats. While there are many variations of this dish, Chef John's recipe for Baba Ghanoush is a standout, with its smoky flavor and creamy texture.

One of the key elements of Chef John's Baba Ghanoush is the roasting of the eggplant. This process not o...

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Ingredients

  • 4 large Italian eggplants
  • 2 cloves crushed garlic
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1 lemon, juiced, or more to taste
  • 3 tablespoons tahini, or more to taste
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 1 leaf fresh mint, minced (Optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Additional Time: 3 hrs 20 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 55 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 6 cups

  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Prick the surface of the skin of eggplants several times with the tip of a knife.
  • Place eggplants directly on grill. Turn frequently with tongs while skin chars. Cook until eggplants have collapsed and are very soft, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cover tightly with aluminum foil and allow to cool, about 15 minutes.
  • When eggplants are cool enough to handle, split them in half and scrape flesh into a colander placed over a bowl. Drain 5 or 10 minutes.
  • Transfer eggplant to mixing bowl. Add crushed garlic and salt; mash until creamy but with a little texture, about 5 minutes. Whisk in lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, and cayenne pepper. Stir in yogurt.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely chilled, 3 or 4 hours. Taste to adjust seasonings. Stir in mint and parsley.
  • Nutrition

    111 cal.

    • Total Fat: 6g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 0mg
    • Sodium: 331mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 15g
    • Dietary Fiber: 8g
    • Total Sugars: 6g
    • Protein: 3g
    • Vitamin C: 8mg
    • Calcium: 43mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 554mg