I love baba ganoush with chicken! This Middle Eastern dish is a perfect combination of smoky, creamy eggplant dip and tender, juicy chicken. The flavors are bold and complex, with a touch of sweetness from the paprika and cumin, and a tangy kick from the lemon juice and garlic.
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. For the baba ganoush, you’ll need eggplants, tahini, olive oil, garlic, salt, and lemon juice. For the chicken, you’ll need chicken thigh fillets, green chilies, Lebanese bread, and baby kale leaves. The combination of these ingredients creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. The eggplant dip can be prepared ahead of time, and the chicken can be grilled or roasted to perfection in just a few minutes. When it’s time to serve, simply top the chicken with the baba ganoush, sprinkle with paprika, and serve with lemon wedges and fresh bread. It’s a meal that is sure to impress your guests but is also simple enough to enjoy any night of the week.
What Is Baba Ganoush?
Baba ganoush is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is typically made from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Origins and Cultural Significance
Baba ganoush has a rich history and cultural significance in the Middle East. It is believed to have originated in Lebanon and is now popular throughout the region, including in Israel, Turkey, and Egypt. The dish is often served as an appetizer or side dish and is commonly found in mezze platters.
Traditional Ingredients
The traditional ingredients used in baba ganoush give the dish its distinct flavor and texture. Roasted eggplant is the star ingredient and provides a smoky flavor and creamy texture. Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, adds nuttiness and richness. Garlic and lemon juice add brightness and acidity, while olive oil brings everything together and adds a silky texture.
Health Benefits of Baba Ganoush
Firstly, baba ganoush is a great source of dietary fiber, which helps to keep the digestive system healthy and prevent constipation. It also contains antioxidants that help to protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Furthermore, baba ganoush is low in calories and fat, making it a perfect addition to any diet. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.
In addition, the eggplant used in baba ganoush contains nasunin, a powerful antioxidant that protects the brain from damage and improves cognitive function.
Why Add Chicken to Baba Ganoush?
1. Adds Protein
Chicken is a great source of protein, and adding it to baba ganoush can make the dish more satisfying and filling. This is especially great if you’re looking for a healthy, low-carb meal option.
2. Adds Flavor
Chicken has a mild, versatile flavor that pairs well with the smoky, creamy taste of baba ganoush. It can also be seasoned in a variety of ways, so you can customize the flavor to your liking.
3. Adds Texture
Baba ganoush is typically a smooth and creamy dip, but adding chicken can give it some texture and make it more interesting to eat. I like to use shredded or diced chicken, which adds a nice contrast to the creamy eggplant.
Ingredients:
For the chicken
- 600g of halved chicken thigh fillets, fat trimmed
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 finely chopped garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 4 long fresh green chillies
- 2 rounds of Lebanese bread
- Baby kale leaves (for serving)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Ground sweet paprika, to sprinkle
For the baba ganoush:
- 2 eggplants (about 500g)
- 1 finely chopped garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/3 cup of tahini (about 80ml)
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice (about 60ml), to taste
How to Make Baba Ganoush with Chicken?
Marinating the chicken:
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Add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and cumin to create a marinade.
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Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the prepared marinade. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 15 minutes, or ideally, overnight for deeper flavor.
Prepare baba ganoush:
- char eggplants directly over an open flame on your stovetop until softened and blistered.
- Rinse charred eggplants under cold water to aid peeling. Extract the flesh and discard the seeds. Combine eggplant flesh, garlic, and salt in a food processor. Process until smooth.
- Introduce tahini and olive oil to the processed mixture. Process again to ensure complete incorporation.
- Adjust the flavor of the baba ganoush with lemon juice to your preference.
Cooking:
- Prepare your grill for high heat.
- Sear the marinated chicken pieces for approximately 4 minutes per side, achieving charring and ensuring internal cooked temperature.
- During the last 4 minutes of chicken cooking time, add chili peppers to the grill and char them as well.
- Toast the bread slices on the grill for 30 seconds per side, aiming for light charring.
Assembly and Plating:
- Distribute the torn toasted bread pieces evenly across serving plates.
- Top each bread portion with kale, cooked chicken, charred chili peppers, and a dollop of baba ganoush.
- For a final touch, garnish the dish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
- Pita bread: Warm up some pita bread and serve it alongside your baba ganoush and chicken for a delicious and filling meal.
- Hummus: Pairing baba ganoush with hummus is a classic combination that never disappoints. The creamy texture of the hummus complements the smoky flavor of the baba ganoush perfectly.
- Fresh veggies: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try serving your baba ganoush with some fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers. The crunch of the veggies adds a nice contrast to the creamy dip.
Presentation Tips
Here are some tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes:
- Use a colorful platter: Choose a platter with bright colors or an interesting pattern to make your dish stand out.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro over your dish for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve in individual bowls: If you’re serving it as an appetizer, consider serving it in individual bowls or ramekins. This makes it easy for guests to grab a serving and ensures that everyone gets an equal amount.
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying a delicious meal, you may have some leftovers that you want to save for later. Here are some tips on how to store your leftovers properly to ensure they stay fresh and tasty.
Firstly, make sure that the leftovers have cooled down to room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator. This will prevent condensation from forming and keep the food from spoiling quickly.
When storing the leftovers, use an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will prevent air from getting in and keep the food from drying out. You can also use a resealable plastic bag for smaller portions.
It is important to label the container or bag with the date that the leftovers were stored. This will help you keep track of how long they have been in the refrigerator and prevent you from eating spoiled food.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Baba ganoush with chicken can be frozen for up to three months. When reheating frozen leftovers, make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the microwave or oven.
Conclusion
I hope that this article has inspired you to try making baba ganoush with chicken at home. It’s a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
By using fresh and high-quality ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to make it your own.
Remember to always use a blender or food processor to get a smooth and creamy texture. Don’t forget to let the eggplant cool before peeling and chopping it.
Overall, baba ganoush with chicken is a great dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
As a side note, this dish is perfect to serve along with perde pilavi (a rice dish).
Get its recipe now (by clicking the image below):
