You know how you grew up eating pizza and fries, well I grew up eating things like baba ghanoush, falafel, and hummus (although I did have my share of pizza over the years!). As a child I was not a huge fan of authentic middle eastern food, but over the past several years I have developed an obsession with it. I love making all kinds of middle eastern foods and I just love to add my own spin on the recipes.
Baba ghanoush is a traditional middle eastern eggplant dipped that is served with pita bread as a dip or be eaten as a sandwich. This is the kind of dip that you can really play around with and add just about anything ( okay well not anything) you want. This recipe is very spicy and zesty.
I sliced the eggplant and grilled them in light olive oil. I also added 3 cloves of sliced garlic because grilled garlic is amazing!
After grilling the eggplant and garlic I removed most of the skin and left some because it gives the dip a nice texture. I then added 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and 2 tablespoons of tahini paste. Tahini is basically sesame paste and can be found at just about any grocery store. If you do not want a spicy dip, you can omit the red pepper flakes.
Traditionally, lemon is used for this dip but I decided to use lime because I love the zesty flavor that it adds. You do not need a food processor but you can use one if you are aiming for a more creamier texture. Now you mix all of the ingredients with a fork until they are well combined and top with olive oil. serve with pita bread, carrots and celery, or anything you want really.
Spicy grilled garlic Lime Baba Ghanoush { Eggplant Dip }
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 3 cloves sliced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tahini paste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (or lemon
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- pour 1 tsp olive oil onto a hot griddle or pan.
- slice the eggplant into thin slices and place in the pan.Grill for 5 minutes and flip.
- Add the sliced garlic and allow the eggplant and garlic to cook for another 4-5 minutes until the eggplant is well done and soft. Remove from heat and place in a small bowl.
- Remove the skin off the edges of the eggplant. Add 2 tablespoons tahini sauce, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 teaspoon back pepper, and 1 teaspoon lime juice. Mix with a fork or blend in a food processor until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Top with olive oil and serve cold or warm.
- Can be stored in fridge for up to 1 week.
What a wonderful recipe, this dip looks amazing! I love the flavor and nutrients that eggplant offers! Pinned <3
I’ve never made Baba Ghanoush, but your version looks delicious, Layla…I’m going to have to try it! Thanks so much for linking up this great recipe to our Moonlight & Mason Jars Link Party. I wanted to stop by and let you know that you’re going to be featured this Wednesday! We really appreciate you joining us. Hope your week is off to a great start!
I loved baba ghanoush to begin with, but this recipe looks extra delicious! I think would be great to serve as an appetizer or a party! Drooling right now …
Yummy all the way–I love the vibrant spice/smokiness in this!
This baba ghanoush is very original!
This is the most creative recipe I’ve seen all week!!! And your photos are just unbelievably good!! Love the idea of eggplant DIP 🙂 🙂
Thank you so much Ashley! I’m glad you liked the photos!
I can’t stop looking at these pictures. Maybe I should start grilling the eggplants… 🙂 Fantastic recipe.
I’m sure your going to love the grilled taste Daniela!
I could spread this baba ghanoush on just about everything! It’s one of my favorite dips, and I love how you kicked it up with spice.
Me too Erin! I love using it instead of Mayo on sandwiches. It’s so much healthier and tastier!
Crazy recipe! It looks incredible. Another recipe on my list for my wife.
Thanks!
Seriously love baba ghanoush! Yours looks delicious Layla. Wish I had this dip and some warm pita bread right about now.
Natalie now you have me craving Pita Bread! I will make some pita bread soon and share it with you! 😉
Spicy and zesty – yum! I love eggplant so much, but always forget to cook with it! Need to make this dip ASAP!
I don’t think I ever really had Middle Eastern Food until I went to college, so I’m always so jealous of those who grew up on it since i love it so much now!! Baba ghanoush is an especially favorite. I’m sure it gets such great smoky flavor from the grilling!
You had me at spicy!! I love eggplants and eat them a lot but not really in baba ghanoush.