Baba Ghanoush is a popular eggplant dip or relish unique to Middle Eastern cuisine. The literal meaning of Baba ghanoush is a pampered or spoiled daddy. Legend has it that the pampered daddy was a sultan who was spoiled by the concoction of the delicious spread made by his royal harem. Not only will this gluten free and vegan dip tantalize your taste buds with its smoky and creamy rich flavor, it is low in calories and packs vitamins, minerals, fiber and a dose of healthy fats and protein.

Typically, baba ghanoush is made with roasted or grilled eggplant blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. Some variations exist depending on the origin of the dish- some recipes are sans tahini and some replace it with yogurt. Spices like mint, parsley, smoked paprika and cumin can offer great flavor, while pomegranate seeds or pine nuts garnish provide a pop of color.

The best baba ghanoush is made by hand, it’s a texture thing. That is a skill worth mastering, but until then get your vitamix ready. Try the following basic recipe until your palate evolves and you achieve confidence. The recipe will yield eight 1/4 cup servings. Baba ghanoush’s luscious texture makes it a great accompaniment to pita wedges or chips, crostini and fresh vegetables. This relish is pure decadence, it is slightly sweet and delivers the perfect balance of savory and tangy, it will quickly become a family favorite.