Creamy Baba Ganoush Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is baba ganoush healthy or unhealthy? ›

Yes, baba ganoush is healthy. The main ingredient is eggplant, which is low in calories and carbohydrates and high in fiber. It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin K. It's also lower in calories than hummus since it's mostly made of eggplant versus chickpeas.

If your Baba Ganoush tastes bitter, add a half teaspoon of baking soda at a time and blend well (tasting in between) to remove bitterness from the dish.

Baba ganoush (also known as baba ghanouj or baba ghanoush) is one of the most popular dips in Lebanese cuisine—and at my table! That is because the flavor of this creamy dip is so bright and smokey. It's luscious texture goes with dippers of every sort: crackers, pita chips, pita wedges, fresh veggies, you name it.

3) Health – Both dishes are very healthy, but baba ganoush has a slight edge here with more vitamins from the eggplant and a lower calorie count. 4) Big meal to come – Get baba ganoush, it's less filling than hummus.

Now don't get me wrong, hummus is just as delicious. But this dip has an insanely scrumptious smoky flavor – all thanks to the method of charring eggplants on a grill.

Baba Ghanoush is eaten in many Middle Eastern countries such as Syria, Lebanon and extending as far as the territorial reach of the Ottoman empire. But Baba Ghanoush also is big in Brazil and West India. Romanians and Greeks also consume the appetizer.

Baba Ghanoush may taste bitter due to factors like the choice of eggplant, insufficient roasting, or the use of too much garlic, lemon juice, or low-quality tahini.

Homemade baba ganoush can be stored in the fridge in a tight-lid container for about 4 days or so (some say up to a week, but mine never lasts that long).

“Baba Ganoush” returned to the airways when Dennis Mille, doing Weekend Update on SNL, began referring to the audience as “Baba Ganoush”. Miller's noted for his obscure cultural references. It was used in “Wedding Crashers” just because it sounded good.

baba ghanoush, relish with Middle Eastern origins that is made of eggplant (aubergine) blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. The Arabic term for the dish means “pampered daddy,” the person in question being, legend has it, a sultan spoiled with a concoction invented by a member of his harem.

What does Baba mean in baba ganoush? ›

Etymology. The word bābā in Arabic means 'father' and is also a term of endearment, while ġannūj could be a personal name. The word combination is also interpreted as "father of coquetry" or "indulged/pampered/flirtatious daddy" or "spoiled old daddy".

Baba Ghanoush is delicious. Made with eggplant that's been fire roasted (either on a hot grill or under a broiler) to the point of shriveling, it can be served as a side dish. Typically, though, it's a cold or room temperature spread, served with pita bread or crostini or crusty French bread… or a spoon.

What to Serve with Baba Ganoush. My favorite way to serve baba ganoush is as an appetizer or snack with crisp veggies and pita bread. You could also serve it as the creamy dip in a summer crudité platter or make an epic Mediterranean appetizer board with pita chips, tzatziki, hummus, and fresh or grilled veggies.

When it comes to the nutritional contents of baba ganoush and hummus, they are pretty similar. Both have 0% cholesterol and are high in fiber and protein content.

Contains Heart-Healthy Fats

Baba ganoush is made with tahini, which is a rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats have been shown to help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

Eggplant dip (Baba Ghanoush) (2 tablespoon) contains 3.4g total carbs, 2.2g net carbs, 4g fat, 1.2g protein, and 50 calories.

Many people worry, and ask “is hummus fattening” as they begin their diet. This is unfortunate, because humus can be a great snack to actually aid weight loss. That's because monounsaturated fats help you lose weight – specifically belly fat.

One Cup of Baba Ganoush gives 99 calories. Out of which carbohydrates comprise 38 calories, proteins account for 11 calories and remaining calories come from fat which is 50 calories.