Baba ganoush with red pepper is a twist on the classic baba ganoush recipe that adds a touch of sweetness and smokiness to the dish, making it a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
To make this delicious dip, you will need just a few simple ingredients: eggplants, red bell pepper, smoked paprika, tahini, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients – most of these items are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. The combination of these ingredients creates a creamy and flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
What Is Baba Ganoush
Baba Ganoush is a traditional Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplants, garlic, tahini, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. It is a staple in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines and is known for its creamy texture and smoky flavor.
To make baba ganoush, the eggplants are first roasted until they are tender and the skin is charred. Then, the flesh is scooped out and mixed with the other ingredients to create a smooth and creamy dip. Some recipes also call for adding roasted red peppers, which adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavor to the dip.
Baba ganoush is typically served as an appetizer or snack with pita bread, crackers, or vegetables for dipping. It is a healthy and flavorful alternative to other dips like hummus and is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
The Role of Red Pepper
Red pepper not only adds vibrant color to the baba ganoush but also brings a subtle sweetness and smokiness that complements the creamy eggplant base. It also provides a slight crunch, adding a textural element to the dish.
In addition to its taste and texture, red pepper is also a nutritional powerhouse. It is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system, and contains antioxidants that can help protect against chronic diseases.
When incorporating red pepper into the baba ganoush, it is important to roast it first to bring out its full flavor potential. Simply place the pepper on a baking sheet and roast it in the oven until the skin is charred and blistered. Once cooled, remove the skin and seeds before adding them to the baba ganoush mixture.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 red bell pepper*
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons of tahini
- 1.5 tablespoons of tahini Greek yogurt
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Baba Ganoush with Red Pepper?
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the eggplants, covered, for 10 minutes. Flip the eggplants and add a bell pepper. Continue grilling for an additional 12-15 minutes, turning the vegetables occasionally, until they are charred and softened.
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Transfer the roasted vegetables to a bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let them steam for 15 minutes. This will facilitate peeling the skins. After steaming, peel the skins from the eggplants and pepper. Discard the skins and squeeze any excess moisture from the eggplant flesh.
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Combine the roasted eggplant flesh, half of the roasted red pepper (deseeded), and the remaining ingredients in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until smooth and homogenous. Season the baba ganoush to taste. Refrigerate the baba ganoush until chilled.
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Serve the chilled baba ganoush drizzled with olive oil. Garnish with chopped pistachios and offer alongside crudités and crackers or sweet potato chips for dipping.
Health Benefits
1. Nutritious Ingredients
This dip’s ingredients are all packed with essential nutrients for good health. Eggplants, for example, are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Red peppers are loaded with vitamin C, which can boost your immune system and help fight off infections.
2. Low in Calories
If you’re watching your weight, this is a great option. This dish is low in calories, but still filling and satisfying. You can enjoy it as a healthy snack or as part of a larger meal.
3. Heart-Healthy
This dish is also heart-healthy. The ingredients in this dish can help reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering your cholesterol levels and improving your blood pressure.
4. Antioxidant-Rich
Finally, it’s also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Serving Suggestions
- As a dip: Serve baba ganoush with pita bread, crackers, or sliced vegetables for a delicious appetizer. You can also add some olives or pickles on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
- As a sandwich spread: Spread it on a sandwich or wrap for a tasty lunch. Add some lettuce, tomato, and cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
- As a side dish: This is a great side dish for grilled meats or fish. It pairs well with chicken, lamb, or salmon.
- As a topping: Use it as a topping for roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, or cauliflower. It adds a flavorful twist to any dish.
- As a salad dressing: Mix this baba ganoush with some olive oil and lemon juice to create a creamy salad dressing. It goes well with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Pairings and Accompaniments
One classic pairing is pita bread. Warm, fluffy pita bread is the perfect vessel for scooping up baba ganoush. Alternatively, you can use sliced vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for a crunchy and refreshing contrast.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, try serving it alongside grilled meats or kebabs. The smoky flavor of the grilled meats pairs perfectly with the smoky, roasted flavor of the baba ganoush.
For a more Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve it alongside other dips like hummus and tzatziki. Add some olives, feta cheese, and a fresh Greek salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Shelf Life
Firstly, it’s important to note that you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. However, if you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, transfer the baba ganoush to a freezer-safe container and label it with the date.
When you’re ready to use the frozen baba ganoush, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw it in the microwave, but make sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even thawing. Once thawed, stir it and serve it.
To maintain the quality of the baba ganoush, make sure to store it in a clean and dry container. Avoid storing it in metal containers, as it can react with the acid in the red pepper and alter the flavor. Instead, use glass or plastic containers.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning about my take on baba ganoush with red pepper! As I mentioned earlier, this dish is a great option for those looking for a healthy and flavorful appetizer or snack.
By using roasted red peppers, we were able to add a subtle sweetness and smokiness to the classic baba ganoush recipe. I also found that the red pepper helped to balance out the strong flavor of the eggplant.
Overall, this recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Try adding different herbs or spices to make it your own. I recommend serving it with pita bread or fresh vegetables for a tasty and nutritious treat.
Thanks for reading and happy cooking!
By the way, this dip is an amazing addition to shakshuka with meatballs.
Get that recipe now (by clicking the image below)
