Guide Note

Baba Ghanoush, variants of which exist throughout Middle Eastern cuisine, is a dip made from eggplant and seasonings.Variants are made with tahini, with onions and tomatoes, with lemon juice and garlic, with cumin and mint, or with any or all of the above. The eggplant is usually roasted to increase its flavor. Generally, it is eaten with pita bread, but it is sometimes used as a topping or condiment.

Fast Facts

1. A.K.A: Baingan bharta; blagadoush; mutabbal; baba-ganouj
2. Recipe varies with region
3. High in fiber
4. If prepared with little oil, extremely low in calories

Eggplant is the only commonly eaten vegetable of the nightshade family (which includes tomatoes, bell peppers, chili peppers, potatoes and tobacco) that comes from the Old World - specifically India. It is common in many Mediterranean cuisines. By itself, it is extremely low in calories; however, it is also absorbent, and will soak up high calorie ingredients like cooking oils rapidly.