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Baba Ganoush

Vibrant Eggplant

Eggplants are a funny vegetable, a bit like coriander, I think you either love them or hate them. For me, it needs to be cooked right and given the attention it deserves. If you do give it that extra love and attention, eggplant becomes wonderfully rich and nutritious vegetable that is particularly versatile in adding bulk to gluten free diets.

So unique is Eggplant that it contains a rare antioxidant known as Nasunin. Found under the peel of Eggplant’s intensily purple skin, Nasunin has been shown to protect brain cells from free radical damage.

Eggplant also has vitamins and minerals in spades, rich in manganese, folic acid and the ever-important thiamine, the mineral that helps convert blood sugar into glucose for energy. More importantly is the fibre content of eggplants, with a single cup serving of eggplant containing 3g of beautiful, filling, detoxifying fibre. Load up on the stuff guys, when you think your reaching your target (30 grams a day) look at the fibre you’ve eaten and double it!

The addition of Tahini in this Middle Eastern spread is a vital component for texture and taste. Thankfully it comes with a dose of goodness to boot. Did you know that just 2 tablespoons of the stuff gives you a whopping 130mgs of calcium? Not bad for something that tastes so good.

Baba Ganoush

Tahini is a nutrient dense food source containing Vitamins E, F and T as well as broad spectrum of B vitamins. It also contains a true treasure trove of essential minerals and amino acids. Indeed one serving of tahini is 20% complete protein. This makes it a denser form of protein than milk, soybeans and most seeds and nuts!

And now onto one of my favourite spices….cumin.

Cumin is an essential ingredient in my kitchen spice draw; it’s been used extensively in many cuisines throughout history. In Ayurvedic medicine particularly, it's seen to be increasingly helpful with digestive disorders. Cumin seeds appear to stimulate the pancreas to release valuable enzymes and allow nutrients to be absorbed into our bodies.

Baba Ganoush makes a wonderful topping or dressing for salads, or a dip for crunchy veggies.  You can also team it with quinoa and use as a chunky sauce to add flavour.

Here's how...

Ingredients:

  • 1 large eggplant 9 TBS tahini
  • 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • Sea Salt to taste
  • ½ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Chopped parsley to garnish
How to:
  • Preheat Grill
  • Prick the eggplant with a fork to allow steam to escape
  • Grill eggplant for 15 mins turning frequently until eggplant skin is charred
  • Remove and let cool
  • Split eggplant in two lengthwise and remove pulp discarding the skin
  • Squeeze out excess moisture
  • In a bowl combine pulp, tahini, garlic, sea salt, cumin and lemon juice and adjust seasonings if need be.
  • Sprinkle with chopped parsley
  • Serve with gluten free crackers
Serve dip with crunchy Kale chips or gluten free crackers for a totally healthy snack.
For more gluten, wheat, dairy, yeast and sugar-free recipes visit supercharged.wpengine.com
Happy Cooking 🙂 Lee x

13 Responses to “Baba Ganoush”

  1. Bridget says:

    awesome! going to make this tonight.

  2. Jill says:

    Hi,
    This post is so informative. I would love for you to come
    share it at FAT TUESDAY. I hope you will
    put FAT TUESDAY on your list of carnivals to visit
    and link to each week!

    http://realfoodforager.com/2011/09/fat-tuesday-september-13-2011/

  3. I adore eggplant! One of my kids can’t tolerate nightshades but this looks so fab I might have to make it and hide it from her. I even have some delicious looking eggplants in the garden right now! Thanks! I stopped over from Fat Tues!

  4. Jill says:

    Thanks for linking your great post to FAT TUESDAY. Hope to see you next week!

    http://realfoodforager.com/2011/09/fat-tuesday-september-13-2011/

  5. First time here. Awesome blog and super post. Well done.

  6. […] Baba Ganoush ~ delicious as a dip/dressing or chunky sauce! […]

  7. Eggplant is so under-rated! The best vegetable ever! Love your recipe

  8. […] Dips and condiments are a great snack or make a tasty spread for any sandwich or cracker. What is important to remember though is that most dips, especially the thick and creamy ones, contain high levels of trans fats. The next time you are perusing the deli section of a supermarket, check the labels and opt for hummus or salsa, without additives or preservatives both of which are healthy and delicious.  You could also try making some No Bean Hummus or Baba Ganoush. […]

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