Authentic Baba Ganoush Recipe - Roasted Eggplant Dip (wfpb, vegan) (2024)

FAQs

Is baba ghanouj healthier than hummus? ›

The difference is that roasted eggplant forms the base for baba ganoush while chick peas are the backbone of hummus. The roasted eggplant lends this eggplant dip a slightly sweeter, smokier flavor, and a lower fat and calorie count than hummus. Plus it can be easier on the tummy than hard-to-digest 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.

The principle difference is the tahini – the sesame purée, but there are others. In Moutabbal, tahini is mixed with the smoked aubergine to create a paste-like dip served with warmed or crispy bread. In Baba Ghanoush, no tahini is used and the smoked aubergine is mixed with onions, tomatoes and other vegetables.

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.

The inclusion of tahini adds a dose of healthy fats, primarily sesame seeds, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids, contributing to heart health. Garlic and lemon juice, also key components, offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Both offer a range of healthy minerals: calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. The chickpeas in hummus have protein, insoluble fiber, and Vitamin B6. The eggplant is more nutritionally dense in vitamins B, E, and riboflavin because it cooks down much smaller than it starts.

The bitterness: apparently, much of the bitterness is in the moisture of the eggplant, which is why some people swear by salting it beforehand, which draws out liquid. In this case, the more it collapses while grilling, the more it's losing water, so by the time you're done cooking, it has a much milder flavor.

Consumption Window: Generally, baba ganoush maintains its quality for 3-5 days when refrigerated properly. Indicators of Spoilage: Spoilage can be identified by off-odors, a change in color, or the presence of mold. If these signs are evident, the baba ganoush should not be consumed.

Make-Ahead and Storage

The baba ganoush can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Let it come back to room temperature before serving.

While the actual location of origin is somewhat argued, both Levantine and Lebanese cultures to claim ownership of origination. The question is which culture had access to eggplant first since the origin of eggplant is India. In several traditions, baba ghanoush is served as the first course in a large family meal.

Is there a substitute for tahini in baba ganoush? ›

Because tahini is the butter of sesame seeds, you might want to consider a nut or seed butter as a go-to substitute. Other options include greek yogurt and sesame oil. These tahini substitutes will complement your dish since they are all sources of healthy fats and contribute to a creamy consistency.

A very similar dish is mutabbal (Arabic: متبل, lit.

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. Nonetheless, hummus has higher calorie content than baba ganoush, and baba ganoush contains vitamins B and E, which are nonexistent in hummus.

Toasted pita wedges or pita chips are great, too. For a full Mediterranean spread, serve this baba ganoush with herbed hummus or tahini sauce and fresh salads. I recommend Mediterranean bean salad, my favorite quinoa salad, or tabbouleh. Here are even more Mediterranean recipes!

“Baba” is an endearment and also the Arabic word for father, while ghanouj means “spoiled” or “pampered.” Why an eggplant spread is named “pampered father” is anyone's guess, but it matters little, as it is delicious under any name!

OUR WINNER: Guacamole!

Both hummus and guacamole are good sources of dietary fibre and folate. However, we have to hand it to guacamole for its higher content of heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fats, Vitamins C and A, and potassium.

Most hummus you buy in a supermarket is made with either soybean oil or sunflower oil. Both of these are highly processed and can be inflammatory. Look at the label and find hummus made with extra-virgin olive oil for the most health benefits (not to mention flavor – good olive oil is like a fine wine).

A. Yes, tzatziki is healthier than hummus as the sodium content of tzatziki is 307 mg per 100g serving, whereas the sodium content of hummus is 379 mg per 100g serving. Hummus also contains more calories than tzatziki. Hence, tzatziki is the better option as it has several health benefits from dill.

Hummus, with its chickpea base, wins with certain nutrients, like protein, zinc, and iron, while guacamole helps avocado fans slim down with fewer calories and carbs, heart-healthy fats, and potassium.