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    Home » Recipes » Summer Recipes

    Published: Aug 17, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe with Pomegranate seeds and pine nuts

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    close up on hand lifting piece with Lebanese Baba Ganoush recipe with pomegranate seeds and pine nuts
    overhead on hand lifting piece with Lebanese Baba Ganoush recipe with pomegranate seeds and pine nuts with herbs, spoon, salt and pomegranate seeds
    overhead on hand lifting piece with Lebanese Baba Ganoush recipe with pomegranate seeds and pine nuts with herbs, spoon, salt and pomegranate seeds
    hand lifting piece with Lebanese Baba Ganoush recipe with pomegranate seeds and pine nuts
    hand dipping pita into baba ganoush

    Lebanese Baba Ganoush recipe with pomegranate seeds and pine nuts is an elegant, modern version of an authentic Middle Eastern recipe. 

    Modern Baba Ghanoush 

    I grew up in Israel, where the Lebanese baba ganoush recipe is basically the ULTIMATE baba ganoush recipe to try. I grew up eating, breathing and making this delicious eggplant tahini dip!

    In my basic 4-ingredient for Lebanese baba ganoush, I follow the traditional Lebanese moutabal very closely - but with a major improvement. I top it with fresh pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and diced parsley, which gives it a beautiful look and a fresh, zesty and vibrant taste. 

    What is Baba Ganoush?

    Baba ganoush is a smoked eggplant dip. Along with hummus, zaalouk and lavosh crackers, it often makes up a delicious part of a typical mezze platter.

    My baba ganoush is an easy 4-ingredient dish that I learned to make when I lived in the Middle East. Grilled eggplant, tahini, garlic and lemon juice come together in this simple, vegan and gluten-free appetizer. They are then topped with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and parsley for a beautiful, elegant and modern appetizer.

    What’s in a name

    Baba ghanoush, baba ganouj, baba ghanouj or baba ganoush - they are all the same dish!

    Baba ganoush vs. Moutabal

    The Baba ganoush origin is Lebanon, where  it is actually almost universally called moutabal! I know, I know, confusing, but let me try to break it down simply:

    Moutabal is usually a Lebanese eggplant dip made with tahini Lebanese baba ganoush is often made without tahini (see my baba ganoush without tahini).

    What’s so special about this Lebanese baba ganoush recipe?

    This simple baba ganoush Lebanese recipe is yours to try if you want a recipe that is:

    • Authentic - I grew up on Lebanese baba ganoush, so you can bet I know an authentic baba ghanoush recipe!
    • Easy to make - requires no special ingredients or equipment (no food processor required!)
    • 4 basic ingredients (and a few optional garnishes)
    • Adaptable - you can play with the quantities and toppings you like
    • Vegan
    • Gluten-free
    • Tasty
    • Freezer-friendly
    • Keto 
    • Elegant - when topped with pomegranate seeds and pine nuts, this humble Middle Eastern eggplant dip becomes the star of the feast!

    Ingredients

    You need the following ingredients to make my Lebanese baba ganoush recipe:

    • Eggplant - as the main ingredient in this smoked eggplant dip, the eggplant you choose needs to be at the peak of freshness! Choose firm, glossy eggplant with a green fresh top and without any blemishes. 
    • Tahini - arguably, good tahini is as important as eggplant in making epic baba ghanoush. Go for 100% sesame seed tahini without any additives.
    • Lemon juice - fresh is best, but bottled lemon juice is also fine
    • Garlic - optional, but good for a tasty Lebanese baba ganoush

    The following things are optional when making Lebanese baba ganoush, but will go a long way towards making this the BEST baba ganoush youve ever had:

    • Parsley - you can use either parsley or cilantro
    • Pomegranate seeds - fresh pomegranate seeds add a burst of sweetness and freshness that goes really well with this smoked dip
    • Pine nuts - they add a nutty flavor and beautiful look to our baba ganoush recipe
    • Olive oil - for drizzling on top of this Lebanese baba ghanoush

    Equipment

    • Oven
    • Baking sheet
    • Chef's knife
    • Big mixing bowl

    How To Make Modern Lebanese Baba Ganoush

    Preheat oven to 450F. Prep a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.

    Wash the eggplants well. Arrange eggplants on the baking sheet, and transfer to the oven to bake for 15-20 minutes. Let cool. When cool enough to handle, remove flesh from the skin. 

    In a large mixing bowl, combine flesh from eggplant, tahini, salt, lemon juice and, if using, minced garlic and finely diced parsley. Mix very well to combine (you can use an immersion blender for this as well).

    Cover with plastic wrap and let Lebanese baba ganoush sit in fridge for at least 1 hour for flavors to meld.

    After an hour, mix everything again, taste and correct seasoning.

    For serving, drizzle Lebanese baba ganoush with olive oil, and top with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and more parsley.

    How to make grilled baba ghanoush?

    The basis of traditional Lebanese baba ganoush is char-grilled eggplant. This gives the dish a special smoked flavor. 

    To achieve this special Middle Eastern taste, grill your eggplant on an open gas flame (using thongs!), or on a charcoal BBQ. Pro Tip: Every summer, I fire up the charcoal BBQ, roast a bunch of eggplants, remove the skin, and freeze their flesh. Then I can make this baba ghanoush, baba ganoush recipe without tahini and zaalouk all year round!

    Storage

    Freshly made, this Lebanese baba ganoush recipe will keep in the fridge for 1 week.

    It can also be frozen without any garnishes for up to 6 months. 

    Substitutions

    This recipe is for a paleo, gluten free, grain-free and vegan baba ganoush. It's also Whole30 compatible and can be adapted to a low fodmap baba ganoush by omitting the garlic.

    Variations

    I think it's pretty perfect just as it is, but here are some variations I like to make to this epic baba ghanoush recipe:

    • Smokey baba ganoush - if you have access to a gas stovetop or a charcoal BBQ, roast the eggplants over an open flame. This will give this Lebanese baba ganoush recipe a characteristic smokey flavor. Alternatively, you can also add ½ a teaspoon of liquid smoked to the mix.
    • Garlic-free baba ganoush - if watching the low fodmap baba ganoush, omit the garlic.
    • Tahini-free baba ghanoush -  if you don’t like the flavor of tahini, try this baba ganoush with yogurt.

    Top Tips

    • Choosing the right eggplant is crucial for making epic baba ganoush. Choose a freshly cut medium-large eggplant that is firm, tight and without blemishes. The top part should still be bright green and not at all dried up. Older eggplants have more seeds and therefore, more bitterness.
    • If, after roasting, you see that your eggplant has a lot of seeds in it, remove the seeds and toss them out. Those parts are bitter and will ruin your authentic baba ganoush. 
    • Giving baba ganoush time to rest in the fridge is crucial for deep, rich flavor that is fully cohesive and smooth.
    • Taste and correct the seasonings after your baba ghanoush has had time to rest. Only then will you know if you need more salt, lemon juice or garlic.
    • Serve Lebanese baba ghanoush cold or in room temperature - it’s good both ways!
    • Do not use Japanese or baby eggplants when making baba ghanoush.
    • For a smooth texture, use a food processor or immersion blender - though I don’t think this is necessary!
    • If you don’t like tahini, try my baba ghanoush without tahini.

    Products

    There are certain products I found that elevate this dish to another level. I also have an immersion blender I like linked here, but it's not at all necesary. Here are some of my favorite ingredients to use in this Lebanese baba ganoush recipe:

    What to eat with baba ganoush:

    You can serve baba ganoush with pita bread, gluten-free lavosh crackers, or raw vegetables like carrots and cucumbers.

    You can also serve it as part of a mezze platter.

    For other smoked dishes, If you don't keep kosher, you can try pairing it with a smoked pork butt.

    Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.

    FAQ

    Can you freeze baba ganoush?

    Yes! Just make sure you pack it well. It will keep for 6 months.

    Is baba ganoush gluten free?

    Yes! Muhammara is the Lebanese dip that has bread in it; baba ghanoush, when made according to this recipe, is completely gluten-free.

    Is baba ganoush vegan?

    Yes! It’s a fantastic vegan Middle Eastern dip that can serve as the centerpiece of an entire Middle Eastern mezze platter.

    Is baba ganoush keto?

    Yes. Tahini is entirely keto, and so are the other ingredients of this 4-ingredient smoked eggplant dip. Just omit the pomegranate from the garnish.

    For more Middle Eastern dip recipes:

    • Baba ganoush without tahini {GF, keto}
    • Black eyed pea masabacha
      Black eyed peas masabacha with tahini, tomatoes, garlic and hot peppers {GF, V}
    • close up on hummus with parsley and chickpeas
      Israeli Hummus Recipe: smooth and silky, made with chickpeas, the best tahini, and chunks of garlic
    • Scorched and roasted until blistering, eggplant caviar is a delicacy when mixed with Middle Eastern flavours like in this roasted eggplant salad duo.
      Roasted eggplant salad duo (zaaluk and tomato-basil eggplant caviar) {V, GF, Paleo}

    You May Also Like These Eggplant Recipes:

    • Baba ganoush without tahini {GF, keto}
    • How to Make the Ultimate Middle Eastern appetizer platter with our best mezze recipes {V, GF, Paleo}
    • Scorched and roasted until blistering, eggplant caviar is a delicacy when mixed with Middle Eastern flavours like in this roasted eggplant salad duo.
      Roasted eggplant salad duo (zaaluk and tomato-basil eggplant caviar) {V, GF, Paleo}
    • stack of grilled cheese sandwiches on plate
      Eggplant Grilled Cheese With Yemenite Green Hot Sauce That Will Have You Drooling

    Recipe

    Lebanese Baba Ganoush recipe with pomegranate seeds and pine nuts with a spoon and pita triangle

    4-ingredient Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe with Pomegranate seeds and pine nuts

    Ksenia Prints
    Lebanese Baba Ganoush recipe with pomegranate seeds and pine nuts is an elegant, modern version of an authentic Middle Eastern recipe. 
    5 from 92 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Cooling time 1 hour hr
    Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, dip
    Cuisine Israeli, Jewish, Lebanese, Middle Eastern
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 229 kcal

    Equipment

    • Oven
    • Baking sheet
    • Chef's Knife
    • Big mixing bowl
    • Fork

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 Eggplants large
    • 1 cup Tahini
    • 1 Lemon juice of
    • 2 Garlic cloves optional
    • Salt to taste
    • ¼ cup Parsley diced (optional)
    • ¼ cup Pomegranate seeds optional
    • 2 TBs Pine nuts toasted (optional)
    • Olive oil optional

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 450F. Prep a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
    • Wash the eggplants well. Arrange eggplants on the baking sheet, and transfer to the oven to bake for 20-40 minutes, until eggplants are fully softened and collapsin on themselves. Let cool. When cool enough to handle, remove flesh from the skin. If there are a lot of seeds, discard seedy parts.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine flesh from eggplant, tahini, salt, lemon juice and, if using, minced garlic and 3 tablespoons of finely diced parsley. Mix very well to combine (you can use an immersion blender for this as well).
    • Cover with plastic wrap and let Lebanese baba ganoush sit in fridge for at least 1 hour for flavors to meld.
    • After an hour, mix everything again, taste and correct seasoning.
    • For serving, drizzle Lebanese baba ganoush with olive oil, and top with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and more parsley.

    Notes

    Nutritional values do not account for pomegranate seeds, which are a garnish.
    How to make grilled baba ghanoush?
    The basis of traditional Lebanese baba ganoush is char-grilled eggplant. This gives the dish a special smoked flavor. 
    To achieve this special Middle Eastern taste, grill your eggplant on an open gas flame (using thongs!), or on a charcoal BBQ. Pro Tip: Every summer, I fire up the charcoal BBQ, roast a bunch of eggplants, remove the skin, and freeze their flesh. Then I can make this baba ghanoush, no-tahini eggplant, and zaalouk all year round!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 229kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 7gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 14mgPotassium: 484mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 55IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword dip, eggplant, garlic, gluten-free, grain-free, lemon, low carb, low fodmap, mezze, olive oil, paleo, parsley, pine nuts, pomegranate, vegan
    Tried this recipe?Comment + Rate Below!
    Connect on Instagram!Find us @immigrantstable

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    1. Dana says

      August 25, 2022 at 10:02 am

      5 stars
      This is such a gorgeous recipe. It presents SO beautifully, and it tastes just as good as it looks. Will totally be making this again for SO many occasions.

      Reply
    2. Kelley says

      August 25, 2022 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      This was such a hit with my guests! It was such a beautiful presentation with the pomegranates on top! Thank you

      Reply
    3. Kathleen says

      August 25, 2022 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      This modern take or pop of extra flavors in this baba ganoush really sounds amazing. I'm looking forward to tasting this deliciousness.

      Reply
    4. Tara says

      August 25, 2022 at 10:39 am

      5 stars
      This baba ganoush looks absolutely gorgeous!! I love that vibrant color from the addition of the pomegranate seeds.

      Reply
    5. Ieva says

      August 25, 2022 at 10:43 am

      5 stars
      I've only made baba ganoush a handful of times, but this is by far my favourite recipe! 4 incredibly delicious ingredients simply speak for themselves and I absolutely love the buttery pinenuts on top!

      Reply
    6. Audrey says

      August 25, 2022 at 11:48 am

      5 stars
      This recipe was perfect and so easy to make as well.

      Reply
    7. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says

      August 25, 2022 at 12:01 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is so simple, but delivers on flavor!! We love baba-ganoush. This will surely be our favorite, go to recipe!

      Reply
    8. Erin says

      August 25, 2022 at 4:38 pm

      5 stars
      This was really refreshing with the combination of the pomegranate seeds and pine nuts!

      Reply
    9. Nancy says

      August 25, 2022 at 4:38 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for your tips on mailing this baba ganoush the first time
      !

      Reply
    10. Healing Tomato says

      August 25, 2022 at 7:39 pm

      5 stars
      We made this baba ganoush recipe last night and it was absolutely delicious. The ingredients are easy and your instructions are right to the point. Great recipe and will be making this often

      Reply
    11. Kristina says

      August 25, 2022 at 10:35 pm

      5 stars
      First time trying baba ganoush and boy, I have been missing out! I loved the contrast of the crunchy pomegranate seeds with the smooth dip.

      Reply
    12. Savita says

      August 26, 2022 at 8:37 am

      5 stars
      This baba ganoush recipe turned out super amazing, so easy and quick dinner.

      Reply
    13. Gwynn says

      August 26, 2022 at 2:13 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was so popular at our happy hour get together this week. It's so pretty and so delicious too!

      Reply
    14. Uma says

      August 26, 2022 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      I made this last night came out so good. We enjoyed it with almond crackers and tortilla chips.

      Reply
    15. veenaazmanov says

      August 26, 2022 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      This dish looks so rich and creamy. I love the Pine Nuts and Pomegranate toppings too. Best dish to have at a Party and impress all my guest.

      Reply
    16. Mikayla says

      August 26, 2022 at 10:20 pm

      5 stars
      I have to say it was hard to let it cool for a full hour. It was very delicious with my pita bread chips. A new experience and it tasted so good!

      Reply
    17. Amy says

      August 27, 2022 at 9:14 am

      5 stars
      I made this recipe for my book club and everyone loved it. The pomegranate arils were a beautiful and delish addition.

      Reply
    18. Amy Liu Dong says

      August 27, 2022 at 11:00 am

      5 stars
      A new dip recipe that I must try. It looks delicious and easy to make!

      Reply
    19. Tristin says

      August 28, 2022 at 12:17 am

      5 stars
      This baba ganoush was beautiful. Loved the pomegranate seeds and pine nuts on top. Delicious!

      Reply
    20. Dennis says

      August 28, 2022 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      My wife loves baba ganoush and pomegranates. When I saw your recipe I knew it was perfect and she absolutely loved it. I heard her on the phone telling her sister how good it was.

      Reply
    21. Moop Brown says

      August 29, 2022 at 3:23 am

      This baba ganoush looks really tasty and I love the addition of the pomegranate seeds and pine nuts on top as well.

      Reply
    22. Hayley Dhanecha says

      August 29, 2022 at 4:55 am

      5 stars
      It's bank holiday here in the UK and we are firing a BBQ this evening, making this delicious dip for our guests. SO delicious!

      Reply

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