Grilled Baba Ghanouj

PREP TIME

15 min

TOTAL TIME

55 min

Makes

2 cups

Photo, Carmen Cheung. Food styling, Ashley Denton. Prop styling, Madeleine Johari.

A Mediterranean classic made with eggplant that’s great with crudité and pita.

Ingredients

2 medium eggplants
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil , plus more for garnish
1/4 cup tahini
1 garlic clove , minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp lemon zest
2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp cumin
Pinch cayenne , (optional)
2 tbsp chopped parsley , divided
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat barbecue to medium- high. Oil grill. Pierce eggplants all over with a fork, then place on grill. Close lid and cook, turning every 5 min, until very tender and skin is charred, about 30 min. Wrap tightly with foil and let stand 10 min.

2. Halve eggplants. Scrape out eggplant esh with a spoon from skin and place between 2 clean kitchen towels (or paper towels) to absorb excess liquid. It should measure about 2 cups. Discard skin. Transfer to a cutting board and finely chop. Whisk oil with tahini, garlic, salt, lemon zest and juice, cumin and cayenne in a bowl. Stir in eggplant and 1 tbsp parsley.

3. Transfer to a serving bowl, making a well in centre. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with remaining 1 tbsp parsley and sesame seeds.

Nutrition (per 2 tbsp)

Calories
72,
Protein
1 g,
Carbohydrates
5 g,
Fat
6 g,
Fibre
2 g,
Sodium
77 mg.

Kitchen Tip
When using raw garlic in dips, halve each clove, then remove and discard the sprout, called the “germ.” This step prevents the dip from becoming more zesty as it stands, especially if you’re making it ahead.