Smoky Loaded Eggplant Dip: Baba Ganoush

Step 1

In a bowl add tomato, cucumber, and parsley. Season with salt, pepper, and sumac. Add lemon juice and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Toss and set aside.

Step 2

Turn 1 gas burner on high. Using a pair of tongs, turn eggplant every 5 minutes or so until the eggplant is completely tender and it's skin is charred and crispy (about 15 to 20 minutes.) Don't worry if the eggplant deflates, it's supposed to. (You can also do this on a gas or charcoal grill over medium-high heat.) Remove from heat and let the eggplant cool.

Step 3

Once eggplant is cool enough to touch, peel the charred crispy skin off. Discard the stem. Transfer eggplant flesh to a colander; let drain for 3 minutes.

Step 4

Transfer eggplant flesh to the bowl of a food processor. Add tahini paste, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, Sumac, Aleppo pepper, crushed red pepper (if using.) Give it just a couple of pulses to combine (do not over blend. See notes)

Step 5

Transfer the smoky eggplant dip (baba ganoush) to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or overnight).

Step 6

Bring eggplant dip to room temperature. Top with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add pine nuts. Spoon the salad on top (be sure to drain any excess liquid before adding on top of the baba ganoush.) Serve with warm pita wedges or pita chips.