Last night I discovered an eggplant that needed immediate attention so I decided to make myself a meze (snack) plate. At the center here are tzadziki (Greek yogurt seasoned with grated cucumber, salt, garlic, olive oil, and lemon) and baba ganoush (Middle eastern eggplant puree). Surrounding the two dips are some finger sized pita bread pieces seasoned with olive oil and zatar and baked until slightly crispy. A bit of flat leaf parsley was added for color and flavor.
Baba ganoush is such an easy and tasty dish that it's an old standard around my household. I don't think I've met a person who doesn't like it. It's prepared by:
1. Slicing a large eggplant in half, sprinkling the halves with olive oil and baking them at 350F until they turn a golden brown on top. Remove, cool, and scoop out the flesh. Press with a fork in a strainer to release excess water.
2. Puree very briefly the flesh with a clove of garlic, salt, olive oil, cumin, lemon juice, and 2-3 spoonfuls of tahini. Don't over-puree so that it's stil a little chunky.
3. Serve with a bit of olive oil and paprika on top.
Comments
Dear Mr. Jungle-Prince,
In your opinion, are baba ghanoush and hummous too similar to be served togheter?
Posted by: The big H | February 23, 2006 11:33 AM
Salivary Glands: ACTIVATE!
Posted by: Adam | February 23, 2006 04:15 PM
*drool*
Posted by: SkyJuice7 | February 23, 2006 05:14 PM
I LOVE this! And I keep telling myself I am going to try to make baba ganoush and never do it.
That's got to go back on my list of stuff to make. Now I just need to find tahini.
Looks fabbo!
Posted by: Rose | February 24, 2006 05:52 AM
H: I think they go well together, myself. BTW how did your gumbo turn out?
Adam: form of.. a giant aubergine.
Sky: [handing you a napkin]
Rose: it's so totally easy. Make it tonight and let me know how it turns out! Just make sure you press the baked flesh with a fork to release some liquids... this is the key.
Posted by: Evil Jonny | February 24, 2006 07:15 AM
I like the two together. I like a little tabouli too. I put the hummus on some pita and then top it with tabouli. mmmmmmmm
Posted by: sithi | February 24, 2006 08:18 AM
Well, I couldn't locate okra in my ordinary store, so I used carrots. Also, I had to take it easy with the hot spices because my kids were going to eat it too. And I added chicken and sausage. I use merguez, a French/Algerian lamb and garlic sausage. The gumbo was very nice, and much appreciated by the family.
Posted by: The big H | February 25, 2006 12:12 AM
BTW, yesterday I served a Middle Eastern dinner, inspired by you. It contained baba ganoush, tzatziki, tabbouleh, pita bread, olives, and lamb meat kebabs. Very nice. With it I served Raccolto Nero d'Avola Cabernet Sauvignon, a very nice Italian wine. :-)
Posted by: The big H | February 25, 2006 12:16 AM
Now I am so hungry...
Posted by: homer | March 1, 2006 12:36 PM