Baba Ganouj
Grilled eggplant is pureed along with garlic, lemon juice and tahini to make a lighter version of the classic Middle Eastern dip. If you can’t find ground sumac for the garnish, chopped pistachios are traditional as well. Serve with pita wedges or use as a spread for sandwiches.
2 medium eggplants, (about 1 pound each)
4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoon tahini, (see Note)
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
Extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish
Ground sumac, for garnish (see Note)
Step 1
Preheat grill to high.
Step 2
Prick eggplants all over with a fork. Thread garlic cloves onto a skewer. Grill the eggplants, turning occasionally, until charred and tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Grill the garlic, turning once, until charred and tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 3
Transfer the eggplants and garlic to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, peel both. Transfer to a food processor. Add lemon juice, tahini and salt; process until almost smooth. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with sumac, if desired.
MAKE AHEAD TIP
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. | Equipment: Skewer
Notes: Tahini is a thick paste of ground sesame seeds. Look for it in large supermarkets in the Middle Eastern section or near other nut butters.
The tart berries of a particular variety of sumac bush add a distinctive element to many Middle Eastern dishes. Find them whole or ground in Middle Eastern markets or online at kalustyans.com or lebaneseproducts.com.
