Description
Mediterranean-inspired eggplant dip from Ina Garten brings smoky, rich flavors to your table. Roasted eggplant blends with garlic, tahini, and lemon, creating a creamy spread you’ll crave with warm pita or crisp vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 2 medium eggplants, peeled
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded
- 1 red onion, peeled
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Liquids and Herbs:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) good olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) tahini
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even roasting.
- Carefully dice bell pepper, onion, and eggplant into uniform 1-inch cubes, promoting consistent cooking and texture.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, thoroughly coating the vegetable cubes.
- Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet, ensuring minimal overlap to encourage proper caramelization.
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, using a wooden spoon to gently stir and rotate them halfway through cooking to ensure uniform browning.
- Remove the baking sheet and allow the roasted vegetables to cool slightly, which helps concentrate their natural flavors and prevents burning when processing.
- Transfer the warm vegetables to a food processor fitted with a steel blade, adding tahini and fresh lemon juice for a creamy, tangy base.
- Pulse the mixture 3-4 times, creating a rustic, textured consistency while maintaining some vegetable chunks.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed for balanced flavor.
- Transfer the roasted vegetable spread to a serving bowl, generously garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- Roasting transforms bland vegetables into a caramelized flavor explosion, concentrating natural sugars and creating depth.
- Tahini brings creamy richness, binding the dip with a nutty undertone that elevates the entire Mediterranean-inspired experience.
- Lemon juice adds bright acidity, cutting through the richness and awakening each vegetable’s inherent taste profile.
- Fresh herbs scattered on top provide a vibrant finishing touch, introducing color and a burst of fresh aromatics.
- Room temperature serving allows the complex flavors to fully develop, letting each ingredient shine without temperature-induced muting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg