baba ganoush
Baba ganoush is a Levantine appetizer consisting primarily of roasted eggplant blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. The mental image is a smoky, creamy, and slightly chunky dip that is often served with warm pita bread or fresh vegetable crudités. The term is used in casual dining contexts and is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. It is often compared to hummus, but while hummus is made from chickpeas, baba ganoush is distinctively defined by the earthy, charred flavor of the eggplant.
In conversation
Ordering at a restaurant
Are we getting an appetizer to share?
Are we getting an appetizer to share?
Definitely. Let's get the baba ganoush; I love that smoky flavor.
Definitely. Let's get the baba ganoush; I love that smoky flavor.
Used to suggest a specific dish for sharing.
Cooking at home
Did you remember to char the eggplant for the dip?
Did you remember to char the eggplant for the dip?
Yes, the baba ganoush is chilling in the fridge right now.
Yes, the baba ganoush is chilling in the fridge right now.
Refers to the finished dip preparation.
Examples
I ordered a side of baba ganoush.
I ordered a side of baba ganoush.
The restaurant makes their baba ganoush with extra garlic and fresh parsley.
The restaurant makes their baba ganoush with extra garlic and fresh parsley.
To achieve the authentic smoky profile of traditional baba ganoush, the eggplant should be grilled until the skin is completely charred.
To achieve the authentic smoky profile of traditional baba ganoush, the eggplant should be grilled until the skin is completely charred.
