Best 5 Smoky Eggplant Dip Eggplant Moutabal Recipes

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Dive into the world of smoky eggplant recipes and uncover the secrets of creating the ultimate eggplant moutabal. This delectable dip, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, tantalizes taste buds with its blend of roasted eggplant, tahini, and spices. Whether you're hosting a gathering of friends and family or simply craving a satisfying and healthy snack, this article will guide you through the culinary journey of preparing the perfect smoky eggplant moutabal.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

SMOKY EGGPLANT SPREAD



Smoky Eggplant Spread image

Essentially a delightful eggplant schmear to eat with warm pita triangles, this spread gets its pleasant smoky flavor from a deliberate charring of the eggplant skin. Whether over hot coals or under the broiler, the eggplant must be mercilessly blackened (the inner sweet flesh gets steamed to softness in the process). Tahini, olive oil, cumin, lemon and hot pepper take care of the rest.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dips and spreads

Time 40m

Yield about 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 medium eggplants, about 2 pounds
Salt
1/4 cup tahini paste
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, mashed to a paste
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon cumin seed, toasted until fragrant and coarsely ground
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
Pita or other flatbread, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Prepare a charcoal fire or heat the broiler. Pierce eggplants here and there with the point of a paring knife. Place eggplants 2 inches from heat source. Allow skins to blister and char, turning with tongs until entire surface is blackened and eggplants are completely soft, about 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
  • Slice eggplants in half lengthwise and lay skin side down on a cutting board. Carefully scrape away flesh with a knife and put it in a colander. Discard burned skins. Do not rinse eggplant flesh - a few bits of remaining char is fine. Salt flesh lightly and leave for 5 to 10 minutes, then squeeze into a ball to remove liquid.
  • Blitz eggplant, 1/2 teaspoon salt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and cayenne in a food processor or blender to obtain a creamy purée. (For a more rustic spread, beat with a whisk instead.) Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice if necessary. Transfer mixture to a shallow serving bowl.
  • Just before serving, stir together cumin and olive oil, and spoon over the mixture's surface. Sprinkle with paprika, parsley and mint. Serve with warm pita cut into triangles if desired.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 157, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 423 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams

SMOKY EGGPLANT DIP WITH YOGURT AND MINT



Smoky Eggplant Dip with Yogurt and Mint image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     appetizer

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 1/2 pounds eggplant (2 medium)
1/4 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons julienned fresh mint leaves, plus extra for serving
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
Good olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Sriracha
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Grilled or toasted pita triangles, for serving

Steps:

  • Make a fire on one side of a charcoal grill. When the fire is hot, prick the eggplants all over with a fork, and place them on the hot side of the grill for 10 minutes, turning occasionally, to char the skin all over. Move the eggplants to the cool side of the grill, put on the lid, making sure the vents are open, and roast the eggplants for 40 to 45 minutes, until they collapse when you press on them, turning once halfway through. Transfer the eggplants to a platter and cut in half lengthwise, allowing any liquid to run out.
  • With a slotted spoon, scoop the insides of the eggplants into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade, discarding the skin and any excess liquid. Add the yogurt, lemon juice, mint, garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, the Sriracha, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Pulse just five or six times to combine but not puree the ingredients. Taste for seasonings; it should be highly seasoned!
  • Transfer to a shallow serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with extra mint and salt, and serve warm or at room temperature with pita triangles.

SMOKY EGGPLANT DIP



Smoky Eggplant Dip image

Serve this dip with chips, as part of a meze platter, or slather it on grilled chicken thighs or lamb chops.

Provided by Andy Baraghani

Categories     Bon Appétit     Eggplant     Garlic     Dip     Condiment/Spread

Yield Makes 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 medium globe eggplants
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or labneh (Lebanese strained yogurt)
1/2 cup finely chopped mint, plus torn leaves for serving
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt
Special Equipment
Hardwood or lump charcoal

Steps:

  • Remove grate and prepare a charcoal grill for medium heat (coals should be covered with ash and glowing red with no black remaining). Place eggplants directly on coals and cook, turning occasionally, until skins are completely charred and flesh is collapsed, 15-20 minutes. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and let cool. (Or, you can grill on the grate of a gas or charcoal grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, 20-25 minutes.)
  • Split eggplants lengthwise and scoop flesh from skin into a medium bowl (it's okay if bits of charred skin get in there too). Mash eggplant with a fork to break up, then mix in garlic, yogurt, chopped mint, red pepper flakes, and 2 Tbsp. oil; season with salt.
  • To serve, drizzle dip with more oil and top with mint leaves.
  • Do Ahead
  • Dip can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

SMOKY EGGPLANT DIP (EGGPLANT MOUTABAL)



Smoky Eggplant Dip (Eggplant Moutabal) image

If you don't have a grill or a gas stovetop, you can broil the eggplants in the oven, turning occasionally, until charred and tender.

Provided by Kamal Mouzawak

Categories     Bon Appétit     Dip     Appetizer     Eggplant     Grill     Pomegranate     Sesame     Vegetarian     Vegan     Quick & Easy     Healthy     Soy Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Dairy Free

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 medium globe eggplants (about 1 3/4 lb. total)
1/3 cup tahini
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt
Pomegranate seeds and black sesame seeds (for serving)

Steps:

  • Remove grate and prepare a charcoal grill for medium heat (coals should be covered with ash and glowing red with no black remaining). Place eggplants directly on coals and cook, turning occasionally, until skins are completely charred and flesh collapses, 15-20 minutes. (Alternatively, you can char over a gas burner on medium-high heat, turning occasionally with tongs, 12-15 minutes.) Transfer to a colander set over a medium bowl. Let cool 15 minutes.
  • Remove skins from eggplants (it's okay if some bits of charred skin don't come off). Transfer flesh to a sieve set over a bowl and let drain 10 minutes.
  • Transfer eggplant flesh to a food processor; add tahini, lemon juice, and 3 Tbsp. oil and process until creamy; season dip with salt.
  • Transfer dip to a bowl and top with pomegranate seeds and black sesame seeds; drizzle with more oil.
  • Do Ahead
  • Dip can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

SMOKY EGGPLANT DIP



Smoky Eggplant Dip image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 large globe eggplants
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons lemon juice
6 dried pequin chiles, crushed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Flatbread or crackers, for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Pierce each eggplant with the tip of a knife in about 10 spots. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until very soft and cracking in a few spots, about 50 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  • Cut each eggplant open lengthwise and scrape out the flesh with a large spoon; discard the skin. Place the flesh in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to coarsely chop. Add the parsley, mint, oregano, lemon juice, chiles, salt and olive oil. Puree for 20 seconds to combine. Allow to cool slightly before serving with crackers.

Tips:

  • To choose the best eggplants, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size, with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid eggplants that are soft or have bruises or wrinkles.
  • To remove the bitterness from eggplant, salt it generously and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing and patting it dry.
  • If you don't have a grill, you can roast the eggplant in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.
  • Once the eggplant is roasted, let it cool slightly before peeling and mashing it. This will help to prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
  • To make the dip ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
  • Serve the dip with pita bread, crackers, or vegetables for dipping.

Conclusion:

Smoky eggplant dip, also known as eggplant moutabal, is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main course. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its smoky flavor and creamy texture, this dip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

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