Baba ganoush with onions is a delicious and healthy Middle Eastern dish that is perfect for any occasion. Made with roasted eggplant, diced onions, and other flavorful ingredients, this dish is easy to make and can be served as a dip or a spread. To make baba ganoush with onions, you will need a few key ingredients, including eggplant, tomato, onion, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and optional pomegranate molasses, sumac, and mint leaves.
What Is Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush is a traditional Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. It is a popular dish in many countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Turkey. The dip has a smoky flavor and creamy texture, making it a great addition to any meal.
The word “baba” means “father” in Arabic, and “ganoush” means “pampered” or “spoiled.” Some people believe that the name “baba ganoush” refers to the fact that the dish is made with eggplant, which is often considered a “spoiled” vegetable. However, others believe that the name simply refers to the dish’s rich and creamy texture.
Baba ganoush is typically served with pita bread or vegetables for dipping. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or as a topping for grilled meats. The dish is high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.
Historical Background
We’re not exactly sure where baba ganoush first came from, but it likely started somewhere in the Middle East, around where Lebanon, Syria, and Israel are today.
It has become a popular dish around the world, with many variations and adaptations. Some recipes call for different ingredients, such as roasted red peppers or parsley, while others use different spices to give the dish a unique flavor.
Despite its popularity, baba ganoush remains a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often served alongside other traditional dishes such as hummus and tabbouleh. Whether enjoyed as a dip with pita bread or as a side dish with grilled meats, baba ganoush with onions is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
Health Benefits
This dip is not only a delicious dip but also a healthy one. Here are some of the health benefits of baba ganoush with onions:
1. Rich in Nutrients
The dip is rich in nutrients essential for good health. It is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also low in calories, making it a great choice for those watching their weight.
2. Heart-Healthy
It is heart-healthy as it contains healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood. It is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the heart from damage caused by free radicals.
3. May Help Prevent Cancer
Since it contains eggplant, it is rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins. These antioxidants have been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
4. May Help Improve Brain Function
Another benefit of eggplants is that they’re rich in a nutrient called nasunin. Nasunin has been shown to have neuroprotective properties and may help improve brain function and prevent age-related cognitive decline.
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant
- 1 diced tomato
- 1 diced onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tbsp of parsley
- ½ juiced lemon
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- ½ tsp of salt
- Sumac (optional)
- 1 tbsp of pomegranate molasses (optional)
- Mint leaves (optional)
How to Make Baba Ganoush with Onions?
-
Begin by charring the eggplant directly over a stovetop burner. Turn it frequently for about 15 minutes, until the skin is blistered and the flesh is tender.
-
Once roasted, peel and mash the eggplant. Incorporate chopped tomato, onion, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. For an additional layer of acidity, consider adding pomegranate molasses.
-
Drizzle the baba ganoush with olive oil. Garnish with sumac and your choice of fresh parsley or mint leaves. Serve warm or chilled alongside pita bread or tabun bread. This recipe yields a delicious baba ganoush with a smoky depth from the charred eggplant and a vibrant interplay of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
1. Serve with Pita Bread
Baba Ganoush is traditionally served with pita bread. Warm the pita bread in the oven or on a grill and serve it alongside the dip. You can also cut the pita bread into triangles and toast them for a crispy texture.
2. Use as a Spread
It makes a great spread for sandwiches and wraps. Spread it on a tortilla or flatbread and add your favorite vegetables and protein for a quick and healthy lunch.
3. Pair with Vegetables
Serve this dip with a plate of fresh vegetables for a healthy snack or appetizer. Cut carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers into sticks or slices and arrange them on a platter with the dip in the center.
4. Top with Garnishes
Add some extra flavor and texture by topping it with garnishes. Try chopped parsley, toasted pine nuts, or a drizzle of olive oil. You can also sprinkle some sumac or paprika on top for a pop of color.
5. Serve as a Side Dish
It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It pairs well with lamb, chicken, and eggplant dishes.
Pairing with Dishes
Baba ganoush is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of dishes to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some suggestions for pairing baba ganoush with onions:
Mezze Platter
It is a classic component of a mezze platter. Mezze is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers or a light meal. Other dishes that can be included in a mezze platter include hummus, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, and falafel. Serve the mezze platter with pita bread or crackers for dipping.
Grilled Vegetables
It pairs well with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. The grilled vegetables’ smoky flavor complements the baba ganoush’s earthy flavor. Serve the grilled vegetables and baba ganoush with a side of rice or couscous for a complete meal.
Sandwiches
This dip can be used as a spread for sandwiches. It pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or roasted vegetables. Add some fresh greens and tomatoes to the sandwich for a refreshing crunch. Serve the sandwiches with a side of chips or salad.
Salad
Baba ganoush with onions can be used as a dressing for salad. It pairs well with greens such as spinach, arugula, or mixed greens. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese to the salad for a burst of flavor. Serve the salad with a side of bread or crackers.
Variations and Substitutions
There are several ways to modify the traditional baba ganoush recipe to suit your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:
- Roasted garlic: Roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the eggplant mixture for a more intense garlic flavor. For effortless roasted garlic, simply enclose whole cloves in aluminum foil and bake until softened and fragrant, approximately 30 minutes. Squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins and mash it with the eggplant
- Herbs and spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to add more complexity to the dish. Some popular options include cumin, coriander, paprika, parsley, and mint. You can also try adding a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Yogurt: To make the baba ganoush creamier and tangier, you can mix in some plain yogurt. This also adds some extra protein and probiotics to the dish. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of yogurt for every 2 cups of eggplant.
- Tahini: If you don’t have tahini or don’t like the taste, you can substitute it with other nuts or seed butter, such as almond butter or sunflower seed butter. You can also omit the tahini altogether and use more olive oil instead.
Storing and Preservation
After making a delicious batch of baba ganoush with onions, it’s important to store it properly to ensure its longevity and freshness. Here are some tips for storing and preserving your baba ganoush with onions:
- Refrigerate: Baba ganoush should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: If you have excess baba ganoush, you can freeze it for later use. Place it in a freezer-safe container and it can last up to 6 months in the freezer.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to use your frozen dip, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing it at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
- Separation: It may separate when stored in the refrigerator or freezer. To prevent this, stir it well before serving.
- Texture: Baba ganoush may lose its creamy texture when stored in the refrigerator or freezer. To restore its texture, add a little bit of olive oil and stir well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcooking the eggplant: One of the most common mistakes people make when making baba ganoush is overcooking the eggplant. When the eggplant is overcooked, it becomes mushy and loses its flavor. To avoid this, make sure to cook the eggplant until it is tender but still holds its shape.
2. Not removing the skin: Another mistake people make is not removing the skin from the eggplant. The skin can be tough and bitter, and it can ruin the texture of the baba ganoush. To avoid this, make sure to remove the skin before blending the eggplant.
3. Adding too much onion: While onions can add a great flavor to baba ganoush, adding too much can overpower the dish. To avoid this, start with a small amount of onion and add more gradually until you reach the desired flavor.
4. Using the wrong type of onion: Not all onions are created equal, and using the wrong kind of onion can affect the flavor of your baba ganoush. Red onions are a popular choice for baba ganoush, but you can also use white or yellow onions. Just make sure to avoid using sweet onions, as they can be too mild for this dish.
Conclusion
The recipe for baba ganoush with onions is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy eggplants. By roasting the eggplants and onions, the dish develops a rich, smoky flavor that is enhanced by the addition of tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
One of the great things about it is that it can be served as a dip, spread, or side dish. It pairs well with vegetables, pita bread, or crackers which you can enjoy as a snack or part of a meal.
Another benefit of this recipe is that it is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for entertaining or meal prep. The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.
Overall, baba ganoush with onions is a tasty and nutritious dish that is sure to please. Whether you are a fan of eggplants or just looking for a new dip to try, this recipe is worth a try.
Just for you to know, this dip pairs perfectly with sambousek with cheese.
Get this delicious recipe here (by clicking the image below):
