27/01/14
Babaganoush
I first experienced Babaganoush, this smokey Aubergine dip whilst on a yoga holiday to Dahab in Egypt many years ago. We had packed up a land rover and headed out into the desert for a couple of days with local Bedouin guides. We slept under the stars and practised yoga at sunset, it was truly magical. Every meal I was amazed at the array of local wholesome food our guides created over a simple camp fire. Babaganoush was one of them and ever since then I have been a fan. Humous will always be the winner but Babaganoush comes in a close second! Making this dip is a bite like making Humous, in the fact that it can go so wrong, when the proportions of Tahini are not right. But this is a great recipe, it’s so simple and very delicious. Enjoy.
ingredients
3 aubergines
3 garlic cloves, crushed with a teaspoon of salt
1 lemon, juice only
2 tbsp tahini
3 tbsp olive oil
black pepper, to taste
1 Pomegranate
method
Prick the aubergines with a fork, place on a baking tray and place in oven until the skin is charred and blacked and the flesh feels soft when you press it (this will take approximately 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking).
In a blender that has an S blade (or you can use hand held blender or pestle and mortar) crush the garlic with the lemon juice, tahini, olive oil and pepper.
When cool enough to handle, simple peel the skin off the Aubergine. Mix the soft flesh with the remaining ingredients in the blender and give it all another blitz. You might have to do it in small batches
Place in a serving dish and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of Pomegranate seeds over the top.
Serve with warm flat breads and a large green salad for a light lunch. Followed by some fresh mint tea for a true Middle Eastern experience.
About the Author
Laura Bell is a yoga teacher in North Wales, UK and has been practising yoga for ten years. She is the founder of a company called The Zest Life, where the philosophy is about discovering ways to help you find and feel your zest for life. Throughout the year she runs yoga classes, themed workshops and lifestyle retreats at beautiful locations in Wales. Find her on Facebook and Twitter and stay connected to living the zest life.
