Baba Ghanoush
Author: Nicole
Ingredients
  • 1 head of garlic (use 4 cooked cloves)
  • 3 medium eggplants (2-1/4 pounds)
  • Sea salt
  • Olive oil
  • 2 ounces fresh lemon juice (~ 2 lemons)
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons tahini
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • For serving: pita, pita chips or fresh veggies
Instructions
  1. For the roasted garlic: You can use a toaster oven or make this a few days in advance. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut top off head of garlic exposing the tops of garlic cloves. Drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Wrap in aluminum foil. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until garlic is soft. It should “ooze” out of the garlic peels. Let garlic cool. Remove cloves to a small container. Be sure to squeeze the head of garlic at the end to get as much roasted garlic as you can. Set aside 4 cloves and store the rest in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
  2. For the eggplant: Preheat oven to high broil (or medium if you have that option) and position a rack at the top of the oven.
  3. Peel eggplants. Slice eggplants into ¼ inch rounds and sprinkle with sea salt and place in a colander in the sink to drain any excess liquid. After about 10 minutes, rinse slightly and then pat dry between 2 towels.
  4. Cover large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Working in batches, arrange eggplant on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 5-10 minutes, turning once or twice, until the eggplant is softened and golden brown. Remove from baking sheet, stack and wrap the rounds in foil to lock in moisture – wait 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining eggplant slices.
  5. Add eggplant, lemon juice, garlic, 3 tablespoons tahini and a pinch of salt to food processor. Mix until creamy. Taste and add additional tablespoon tahini if needed. Add parsley and pulse to incorporate.
  6. Serve with pita, pita chips and veggies.
Notes
* A double recipe will fit in a large food processor.
* Baba ghanoush keeps covered in the refrigerator for a few days.
Recipe by Riegl Palate at https://www.rieglpalate.com/baba-ghanoush/