Baba Ganouj Eggplant Dip With Sesame Oil Food

BABA GANOUJ - EGGPLANT DIP WITH SESAME OIL

Steps:

• Broil eggplants with skin on, turning frequently, until skin is lightly charred and eggplants are fairly soft.
• Alternately, slice eggplants in half lengthwise and place on an oiled cookie sheet.
• Broil in oven or bake at 450oF until fairly soft.
• Allow to cool enough to be handled.
• Remove most of skin, and mash eggplant.
• If you don't mind a little grayness in the color, allow a little charred skin in with the pulp; it will add a pleasant smoky flavor.
• Fit food processor with steel blade.
• With machine running, drop in garlic cloves.
• Add tahini, lemon juice, and water; blend until thoroughly combined.
• Add eggplant, and pulse until coarsely pureed.
• Add salt and red and black pepper to taste.
• Refrigerate for 1-2 hours for flavor to develop.
• Adjust seasonings, including tahini if desired.
• Garnish with parsley, pine nuts, and pomegranate seeds as desired.
• Serve with pita bread or veggies.

BABA GHANOUSH (EGGPLANT DIP)

Steps:

• Pierce the eggplants in several places with a toothpick. Wrap the whole eggplant in aluminum foil, and set it over a gas grill to cook on all sides until it collapses and begins to release a great deal of steam.
• Place the eggplant in a basin of cold water; peel while it's still hot and allow it to drain in a colander until cool.
• Squeeze pulp to remove any bitter juices. Mash the eggplant to a puree.
• In a food processor, mix the tahini with the garlic, onion, tomato, and lemon juice until the mixture thickens and reduces in size. Thin with water. With the machine running, add the eggplant and the salt, pepper, and olive oil.
• Spread out in a shallow dish, and garnish with pepper, parsley, and tomatoes.

BABA GANOUSH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°. Cut eggplant in half lengthwise. Place cut side up on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil over cut sides. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and paprika. Bake until dark golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove eggplant from pan to a wire rack to cool., Peel skin from eggplant; discard. Put flesh into a food processor and pulse to mash; transfer to bowl. Stir in tahini, lemon juice, garlic and and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spoon into serving dish. Drizzle with additional olive oil. Sprinkle with parsley and additional paprika.

BABA GHANNOUJ: MIDDLE EASTERN EGGPLANT DIP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 F. Use a fork to poke some holes in the eggplant skin.
• Place eggplant directly on the middle oven rack and roast for 30 minutes, or until the outside is crisp and the inside is soft. Allow it to cool for 20 minutes.
• Cut open the eggplant and scoop out the flesh into a colander; allow to drain for 10 minutes. (Removing the excess liquid helps to eliminate a bitter flavor .)
• Place the eggplant flesh in a medium bowl. Add the remaining ingredients except for the 1 tablespoon olive oil and mash together until the eggplant becomes paste-like. Alternatively, you can also use a food processor and pulse for about 2 minutes.
• Slowly add the olive oil and mix quickly and thoroughly to make sure it emulsifies along with the rest of the ingredients. If using a food processor, turn it on low as you pour the olive oil through the feed tube.
• Place the eggplant dip in a serving bowl and top with the garnish of lemon juice and olive oil. Add other garnishes according to taste.
• Serve with warm or toasted pita or flatbread. Enjoy.