---
title: "Baba Ghanoush"
date: 2026-03-28
tags: ['vegetarian', 'gluten-free', 'mediterranean', 'grilled', 'healthy']
prep_time: "30 minutes"
cook_time: "1 hour"
servings: 6
---

# Baba Ghanoush

Mutabbal is a smoky, creamy eggplant dip made with yogurt, [tahini](/tahini), parsley, lemon juice, and garlic. While it is often referred to as Baba Ghanoush, they are actually entirely different dishes.

## Ingredients

- 2 large [globe eggplants](https://www.thespruceeats.com/types-of-eggplant-2216262#:~:text=of%2007-,Globe%20Eggplant)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup [tahini](/tahini)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 large cloves of garlic
- Pomegranate molasses (highly recommended for a significant depth of flavor)
- Italian parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Chili powder, to taste
- Olive oil

![Baba ghanoush ingredients](baba-ganoush-7.jpg)

## Instructions

### Prepare the Eggplants

1. **Roast or smoke the eggplants**: Cook in the oven, grill, or smoke using mild wood like apple (smoking is my preferred method). Use high heat until fully cooked.

2. **Cool**: Transfer the cooked eggplants to a bowl and cover until they are cool to the touch.

3. **Extract and drain the flesh**: Separate the eggplant flesh from the skin and place it in a **strainer**. Drain thoroughly to remove any bitter liquid, adding a pinch of salt to help the process.

    ![Smoked eggplants](baba-ganoush-5.jpg)

    ![Eggplant flesh after draining](baba-ganoush-6.jpg)

### Make the Dip

4. **Prepare the aromatics**: Finely chop the parsley. **Pound** the garlic using a pestle and mortar, or mince it finely.

5. **Blend the ingredients**: Combine the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, eggplant flesh, garlic, a generous drizzle of olive oil, chili powder, and pomegranate molasses in a **food processor**.

6. **Refine and adjust**: Process until smooth. **Taste and adjust** as needed—adding more tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, or seasonings until you reach the perfect flavor balance.

    ![Baba ghanoush in food processor](baba-ganoush-8.jpg)

## Serving

Serve with [pita bread](/whole-wheat-pita-bread).

**Garnishing options**: pomegranate seeds, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, parsley, chili powder.