Baba ganoush is a traditional Middle Eastern food that is created by cooking and mashing eggplant. The eggplant is mixed with a variety of spices to create a consistency similar to hummus and served as a side dish or dip with pita bread or chips. If you'd like to learn more about this treat, read on to find out how to make baba ganoush.

Added to the roasted eggplant is a variety of spices and flavorings including garlic, tahini sauce, lemon juice, parsley and olive oil. Additional flavors can come from the addition of crushed red pepper, cumin or mint, each giving the dish a unique taste.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/grilled-middle-eastern-baba-ghanoush-recipe/index.html

The eggplant must be cooked before using and that can be done by either baking or grilling. The main preparation time for baba ganoush comes from the cooking and cooling of the eggplant. Once it's cooked and cooled, it can be mashed and combined with the other ingredients.

While commonly available in grocery stores and Middle Eastern restaurants, making baba ganoush at home is quick and easy. Start to finish the dish can be made in about 45 minutes, then can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. This step-by-step guide explains the ingredients, preparation method and common variations for making baba ganoush at home.

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F or heat a grill.
2. Using a fork, prick the eggplant thoroughly.
3. Bake for about 20 minutes or grill for about 10 minutes or until tender.
4. While the eggplant is cooking, combine the garlic and salt in a small bowl. Mash the salt into the garlic using the back of a spoon.
5. Allow to cool, then slice and drain.
6. Scoop the pulp from the eggplant into a large bowl.
7. Add in the lemon juice and mash until smooth.
8. Stir in the garlic mixture, tahini sauce, parsley and olive oil.
9. Add additional salt to taste and garnish with additional parsley if desired.
10. Serve and enjoy!

1. Add in spices like crushed red pepper, cumin or mint for a bolder flavor.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/grilled-middle-eastern-baba-ghanoush-recipe/index.html
2. For added volume, include one can of garbanzo beans and/or 1/2 cup pine nuts before mashing the mixture.http://vegetarian.about.com/od/saucesdipsspreads/r/babaganoush.htm http://www.recipesource.com/munchies/appetizers/baba-ganoush1.html
3. If desired, cook the eggplant a day or two ahead then mash and prepare it just before serving.
4. Garnish with black olives if desired.http://www.recipezaar.com/Baba-Ghanoush-the-Best-in-the-World-67570

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K027qlDqxeg This short and informative video shows how to make a large batch of Arabic baba ganoush. After crushing 15 cloves of garlic and grilling six eggplants. The eggplant is pealed and mashed with salt, tahini sauce and lemon juice. The final product is served with olive oil and parsley. The chef also explains common ways to eat baba ganoush, including with chicken, pita bread, salad or alone.

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tsp. coarse salt
• 3 tbsp. lemon juice
• 3 tbsp. tahini sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp. olive oil