From the direct translation, “Baba”, meaning Daddy and, “Ganoush”, meaning spoiled or indulgent, it is no question that this is the perfect Father’s Day recipe, from the name alone. A flavourful and easy way to enjoy midday snacks or accompany most meals. Smokey and creamy, this gives Dads a reason to fire up the braai too.
Aubergine / Eggplant / Brinjal
What You’ll Need:
⦁ B-WELL Extra Virgin Olive Oil
⦁ 2 Large/ 3 Medium Aubergine
⦁ 3 garlic cloves, minced
⦁ 4 tbsp Tahini paste
⦁ 2 tbsp Lemon juice
⦁ 1 tsp salt
⦁ 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
⦁ ½ tsp ground cumin
⦁ Garnish: Fresh Parsley/ Paprika/ Zaatar spice (if you have)
How to Make:
1. Roast/Grill/Braai the eggplants to cook and produce a light char. (IF ROASTING: You will find that roasting over an open flame will produce a smokier, richer flavor).
2. Once cooked inside, Place the eggplant pulp into a bowl, with half of the smoky cooking liquid. Discard the skin and reserve the remaining cooking liquid.
3. Allow to eggplant to cool to room temperature
4. Add tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper and 1 tbsp B-WELL extra virgin olive oil to the bowl.
5. Use a fork and/or spoon to mash together the ingredients, using firm pressure to break up the tahini paste, roasted garlic, and any stringiness of the eggplant. The aim is to get a relatively smooth mixture, but still slightly chunky and Traditional.
6. Taste your mixture and add more lemon juice/salt/cayenne as desired.
7. Place in a serving bowl, make a circular well and drizzle more olive oil and sprinkle your preferred garnish of fresh Parsley/ Zaatar/ Paprika.
8. Best Served with heated Pita Bread, crackers or chips
WE LOVE:
⦁ To serve this with Roasted veggies
⦁ Dipping fresh veggie sticks in this delicious Baba Gonoush
⦁ Creating a Mediterranean feast by serving these with Olives, Tzatziki, Hummus and Pita
⦁ Eat this with Pickled Cucumbers