Baba Ganouj=Spoiled Daddy

Baba Ganouj is a wonderful vegetable dip that can be enjoyed with chips, bread or even as a sandwich spread.  My family has even used it to dip other veggies in.  

Ingredients:

3 average sized Italian (purple) eggplants.

6 cloves of garlic

salt

the juice of 2 lemons

3 tablespoons olive oil

6 tablespoons of Tahini (often found in the oil section of the grocery store)

Lemon Juice

My mother's food processor that I snagged 20+ years ago when I got married

Use the lemon rinds in the garbage disposal to freshen and clean it.

Slice the stems off the eggplants and cut lengthwise.  Place cut side down on grill and broil in oven.  Watch and pull them out when the skins are crispy and the flesh under is soft. (see video below) (audio in video is from a webseries I must have been watching while I cooked.  Sorry about that.)

This is the brand of tahini I use.  Ziyad Brothers is a Chicago based food importer and processor.  They have excellent quality.  Tahini is a sesame seed paste that is kind of the consistency of old fashioned peanut butter.  You have to stir it before you measure it out as the oil will separate from the paste.

Add the tahini into the processor with the lemon juice, chop the garlic cloves and toss them into the processor as well with the olive oil.

This is how I incorporate the eggplant into the rest of the ingredients.  When the eggplant is done, I pull them out of the oven and flip them flesh side up.  I scoop out the hot eggplant out of the crispy skins with a spoon and place it into the processor bowl.  Some people say to not use the seeds, but I think that they add to the flavor and texture.  I also add some of the burnt skin to give it a smoky flavor.

Pulse everything and check it every so often.  You want a smooth consistency, but you don't want it watery.  Add salt to taste.  Remember that you are making this to the taste of your family.  Some like more tahini, some like more lemon, I like lots of garlic.  When it is done, smooth onto a deep dish plate and chill.  Decorate it with chopped parsley or paprika.  Serve with bagel chips, toasted pita bread or veggies.  Also a wonderful warm vegetarian sandwich spread.  Tell me if you enjoy this and how you served it.

Life is too short for blah!