Beet-a-ganoush Dip Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is baba ganoush healthier than hummus? ›

In general, however, although you can gain more nutritional benefits from chickpeas than from eggplant, baba ganoush is healthier than hummus which is one major difference between baba ganoush and hummus. That is because 1 cup of chickpeas is equal to two or more eggplants.

Baba ganoush is a Mediterranean eggplant dip made from roasted or grilled eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Like hummus, it's delicious with pita or fresh veggies, but its silky texture and irresistible smoky flavor set it apart.

For the creamiest result, add the oil slowly in a thin stream as it blends instead of just adding it to the bowl with the rest of the ingredients. If your Baba Ganoush tastes bitter, add a half teaspoon of baking soda at a time and blend well (tasting in between) to remove bitterness from the dish.

The difference is that roasted eggplant forms the base for baba ganoush while chick peas are the backbone of hummus. The roasted eggplant lends this eggplant dip a slightly sweeter, smokier flavor, and a lower fat and calorie count than hummus. Plus it can be easier on the tummy than hard-to-digest chickpeas.

In first place, the baba ghanoush from Whole Foods ($5.99/pound) had "good smoke and garlic notes." Tasters called it "smooth with some seeds for interest," and "well seasoned, with a nice hint of eggplant." One said it was "surprisingly good for the supermarket." Four would buy this brand and one might.

I like to serve my baba ganoush with sturdy raw veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber rounds and bell pepper sticks. Toasted pita wedges or pita chips are great, too. For a full Mediterranean spread, serve this baba ganoush with herbed hummus or tahini sauce and fresh salads.

Homemade baba ganoush can be stored in the fridge in a tight-lid container for about 4 days or so (some say up to a week, but mine never lasts that long).

What is baba ganoush? In Arabic, “baba” means father and “ghanoush” means spoiled. This “spoiled dad” dip is the creamier companion to hummus. Popular in Arab countries throughout the Middle East, it is also a common appetizer on the Sephardic Jewish table.

If you have an outdoor grill, that's the preferred method to make baba ganoush. The open flame imparts the best smoky flavor! If you don't have an outdoor grill, roasting your eggplants on a gas stovetop is the next best option.

The way you prepare baba ganoush, in fact, solves all three things I hate about eggplant. The bitterness: apparently, much of the bitterness is in the moisture of the eggplant, which is why some people swear by salting it beforehand, which draws out liquid.

What spice takes away bitterness? ›

Spices mask bitter flavors, so don't be shy. Add some spicy peppers or powders to your cooking, or sprinkle some onto your dishes for a little bit of extra heat. Black pepper in particular has compounds that counteract bitterness. Some other great spices include cayenne, red pepper, paprika, and chili powder.

Consumption Window: Generally, baba ganoush maintains its quality for 3-5 days when refrigerated properly. Indicators of Spoilage: Spoilage can be identified by off-odors, a change in color, or the presence of mold. If these signs are evident, the baba ganoush should not be consumed.

Yes, baba ganoush is healthy. The main ingredient is eggplant, which is low in calories and carbohydrates and high in fiber. It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin K. It's also lower in calories than hummus since it's mostly made of eggplant versus chickpeas.

3) Health – Both dishes are very healthy, but baba ganoush has a slight edge here with more vitamins from the eggplant and a lower calorie count. 4) Big meal to come – Get baba ganoush, it's less filling than hummus.

Baba Ghanoush is eaten in many Middle Eastern countries such as Syria, Lebanon and extending as far as the territorial reach of the Ottoman empire. But Baba Ghanoush also is big in Brazil and West India. Romanians and Greeks also consume the appetizer.

OUR WINNER: Guacamole!

Both hummus and guacamole are good sources of dietary fibre and folate. However, we have to hand it to guacamole for its higher content of heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fats, Vitamins C and A, and potassium.

This dip is one of the best choices for people who are trying to eat healthy. That's because it contains many of the nutrients (calcium, fiber, protein, and more) that your body needs! And, when you dip into it with veggies, you're eating a portion of your vegetables for the day!

It has been linked to improved heart health, and its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it a great addition to a healthy diet. A Plant-Based Option: For vegetarians, vegans, or anyone leaning towards plant-based diets, baba ganoush is an excellent choice.