Baba ghanoush. In Arabic, “baba” means father, and “ghanoush” means spoiled. This “spoiled dad” roasted eggplant dip is the creamier version of the better-known hummus which is made from pureed chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and invented in Homs, a city about an hour south of Shaizar where our family hails from.
My son Alex asked for it today and so I set about making one of our favorite dishes – maybe we should rename it, spoiled son (abn ghanoush). The Syrian version forgoes the tahini found in the recipe from other countries.
Baked or broiled eggplant pulp, lemon juice, garlic, salt, yogurt, and perhaps a touch of olive oil to add a bit of heresy to the established family recipe; because what doesn’t taste better with olive oil?. Serve with pita bread or sticks of cucumbers and carrots for dipping. Voila! Served as a mezze (appetizer) or a main course.
Good eating either way.
For the details of this simple recipe see the food page on our website. The smell of roasted eggplant fills the kitchen this morning.