Baba ghanoush

Baba ghanoush (pronunciation: /ˌbɑːbə ɡəˈnuːʃ/; also spelled baba ganoush or baba ghanouj) is a Levantine appetizer of mashed cooked eggplant mixed with tahini (made from sesame seeds), olive oil, possibly lemon juice, and various seasonings.

Etymology

The Arabic term means "pampered papa" or "coy daddy", perhaps with reference to a member of a royal harem. The word combination is also interpreted as "father of the pestle".

Ingredients

The traditional preparation method is for the eggplant to be baked or broiled over an open flame before peeling, so that the pulp is soft and has a smoky taste. It is a typical starter, often eaten with pita bread, and is sometimes added to other dishes. The basic ingredients are:

• Eggplant
• Tahini
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Salt

Related Dishes

Baba ghanoush is part of traditional Levantine cuisine, and is often served as a starter or a side dish. Similar dishes are also found in other countries:

• Moutabal: A similar dish found in Levantine cuisine, but it includes yogurt and has less of a smoky flavor.
• Melitzanosalata: A Greek dish that is also made from eggplant, but does not include tahini.
• Mutabbal: A dish similar to baba ghanoush, found in Iraqi cuisine.

See Also

• Levantine cuisine
• Eggplant dishes
• Arab cuisine

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