Baba ganoush is an incredible aubergine dip that's perfectly creamy and dangerously moreish. Roasted aubergine added to tahini, garlic and lemon juice is a flavour-packed combination that you won't be able to resist. This vegan baba ganoush is made from plant-based ingredients.
This vegan baba ganoush tastes SO good. In fact I’d have to say that aubergine dip is one of my favourite recipes of all time.
With a creamy texture, a zingy taste and a hint of smokiness I could eat baba ganoush every day of the week and never get bored.
WHAT IS BABA GANOUSH?
Baba ganoush is a dip made from aubergines (also known as eggplant).
It's common across the middle east, in countries such as Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey.
The aubergine is cooked and then mixed with tahini.
Recipes do vary but other ingredients in this eggplant dip include olive oil, lemon juice, salt and sometimes cumin.
It’s very adaptable so feel free to play around with the combination below and make it your own.
Baba ganoush vs hummus
Baba ganoush and hummus are both delicious dips that originate in the middle east.
If you're trying to decide which to make I would say make both! Both dips are absolutely incredible and complement each other beautifully.
Both baba ganoush and hummus usually contain tahini (sesame paste), salt and olive oil.
However, the main ingredient of hummus is chickpeas. On the other hand the main ingredient of baba ganoush is aubergine (eggplant).
There are many different variations of hummus. For example you might like to try my harissa hummus or this cauliflower hummus.
DO YOU NEED TO COOK THE AUBERGINE (EGGPLANT) ON A FLAME TO MAKE SMOKY AUBERGINE DIP?
Traditionally baba ganoush is made by cooking the aubergines whole on the flame of a gas stove or under a grill. If you use this method your baba ganoush will have a delicious smoky flavour.
If, like me, you prefer an easy life or you don't want to mess around with cooking on flames, you can roast the aubergine instead.
Simply cut your aubergine in half lengthways, score the flesh with a sharp knife and brush with olive oil.
Then while the aubergine roasts away you're free to get the rest of the ingredients ready.
Can you make baba ganoush without tahini?
Tahini is one of the main ingredients in baba ganoush. However, if you have an allergy or you simply can't get hold of it you can make your aubergine dip without it.
Simply leave it out - your dip will be less creamy. Alternatively substitute peanut, almond or sunflower butter.
Ingredients for vegan baba ganoush
Full ingredients list, quantities and method are in the recipe card at the end of this post.
To make baba ganoush you will need:
To roast the aubergines
- 2 aubergines (eggplant)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the dip
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
To serve
- Small handful of chopped flat leaf parsley, optional
- Smoked paprika, optional
- Extra olive oil, optional
Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to make baba ganoush
- chopping board
- knife
- roasting tray
- blender or food processor
- digital scales
- measuring spoons
Special diets
Baba ganoush is suitable for:
- vegans
- vegetarians
- gluten free
Serving suggestions
This vegan aubergine dip is delicious eaten on its own with some warm pitta bread. It's also perfect as part of a mezze meal.
To make a delicious plant-based feast you could serve your baba ganoush with a selection of the following dishes:
Pin baba ganoush for later
HOW TO MAKE BABA GANOUSH
For full recipe scroll to the recipe card at the end of this post.
You will need a blender or food processor for this recipe.
- Pre-heat the oven to 180°C (fan)/200°C/ gas mark 6. Lightly grease a baking tray.
2. Cut the aubergines in half lengthways. Using a sharp knife cut a criss cross pattern into the aubergine flesh. Take care not to cut through the skins.
3. Brush with olive oil and place in the oven for 40-45 minutes until soft.
4. When cooked remove from the oven and leave aside to cool. When cool remove the skins from the aubergine and scrape out the flesh.
5. Place all the ingredients apart from the salt, parsley and paprika into a food processor or high speed blender. Pulse until well combined. Taste and season with salt if needed.
6. Transfer to a bowl and serve with chopped flat leaf parsley, paprika and extra olive oil if desired.
If you have made this recipe and loved it please consider leaving a comment and rating below.
Vegan baba ganoush
Ingredients
To roast the aubergines
- 2 aubergines eggplant
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
To make the dip
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons juiced
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- pinch salt to taste
To serve
- Small handful of flat leaf parsley finely chopped
- Paprika for garnish
- Extra olive oil optional
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180°C (fan)/200°C/ gas mark 6. Lightly grease a baking tray.
- Cut the aubergines in half lengthways. Using a sharp knife cut a criss cross pattern into the aubergine flesh. Take care not to cut through the skins. Brush with olive oil and place in the oven for 40-45 minutes until soft.
- When cooked remove from the oven and leave aside to cool.
- When cool remove the skins from the aubergine. Place all the ingredients apart from the salt, parsley and paprika into a food processor or high speed blender. Pulse until well combined.
- Taste and season with salt if needed.
- Transfer to a bowl and serve with chopped flat leaf parsley, paprika and extra olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Nutritional information is approximate and is intended as a guide.
- The nutritional information has been calculated without the serving suggestions.
Nutrition
If you like this you might also like this black bean dip.
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?
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