Baba ganoush (aubergine dip)

A smooth, smoky spread made from roasted aubergine and tahini, from the Middle East. Creamy, light and full of flavour, it is served as an appetiser with raw vegetables or bread, or as a side. A healthy, original alternative to hummus.

Preparation: 10 min  |  Cooking: 30 min  |  Servings: 6  |  Difficulty: Easy

Calculated per serving from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 105 kcal · 2 g protein · 5 g carbohydrate · 8 g fat

Ingredients

• 2 aubergines
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 lemon
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Prick the aubergines and roast for 30 minutes, until the flesh is soft.
2. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and leave to drain off the excess water.
3. Mash or blend the flesh with the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper.
4. Spoon into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and serve with raw vegetables.

Nutritional benefits

Baba ganoush is a light, healthy spread: aubergine is very low in calories but rich in fibre and antioxidants, and tahini provides healthy fats, calcium and a little protein. It is an excellent alternative to fatty, salty shop-bought dips, ideal as an appetiser with vegetable sticks. Its fibre content and lightness make it a snack that fits well with weight loss.

Variations and substitutions

• Smokier: char the aubergines directly over a flame or on the barbecue.
• With herbs: parsley, mint, coriander.
• Spicier: smoked paprika, chilli.
• Without tahini: use a little more olive oil and some seeds.

Storage and making ahead

Baba ganoush keeps for 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container, with a drizzle of oil on top. Ideal to make ahead for healthy appetisers and snacks.

💡 Good to know

The secret of baba ganoush is the smoky flavour: to get it, lightly char the skin of the aubergines (over a flame or under the grill). Let the flesh drain well for a creamy, not watery, texture.

See also

Discover more vegetarian recipes · vegan recipes · gluten-free recipes · weight-loss recipes · dairy-free recipes.

Ingredients in this recipe: aubergines · tahini · lemon · garlic · olive oil.

You might also like these recipes: Homemade ratatouille · Tomato and cucumber gazpacho · Sicilian-style aubergine caponata.