Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Baba Ghanoush (Creamy Roasted Eggplant Dip – Mediterranean Mezze Favorite)

Sarah Smith
Dec 26, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Bowl of hummus garnished with pomegranate seeds, olive oil, and parsley. Surrounded by pita bread, olives, and vegetables on a light background.

Baba Ghanoush is a classic Mediterranean dip made with smoky roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Creamy, savory, and deeply flavorful, this eggplant-based spread is a delicious alternative to hummus and a staple on any mezze platter. Serve it with warm pita, fresh vegetables, or alongside your favorite Mediterranean mains for an easy, satisfying appetizer or snack.

It pairs perfectly with Homemade Hummus, Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas), and Cucumber Tomato Olive Salad with Lemon Dressing for a complete Mediterranean spread.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy roasted eggplant dip with rich, smoky flavor
Bright lemon and garlic keep it fresh and balanced
Simple ingredients blended into a smooth, satisfying spread
Perfect for pita, vegetables, mezze platters, or Mediterranean bowls

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Servings: 4–6

Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

Calories: 150–170 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Total Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugars: 3 g
Sodium: 220 mg

Ingredients

2 medium eggplants
¼ cup tahini
2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
2–3 tbsp cold water (as needed)

Optional toppings:

Smoked paprika or sumac
Chopped parsley
Pomegranate seeds
Drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Roast the eggplant: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Prick eggplants several times with a fork and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 35–40 minutes, turning once, until soft and collapsed.
Cool & drain: Let eggplants cool slightly, then slice open and scoop out the flesh. Place in a colander and let drain for 5–10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Blend: Add eggplant flesh, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, and salt to a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding cold water a tablespoon at a time until creamy.
Adjust & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Spoon into a bowl, swirl the top, drizzle with olive oil, and add desired toppings.

Tips & Variations

Extra smoky flavor: Roast eggplants over an open flame or grill before peeling.
Ultra-creamy texture: Blend longer and drain eggplant thoroughly.
No tahini? Use Greek yogurt or additional olive oil for a different (but still delicious) twist.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the blend.

FAQ

Is Baba Ghanoush Mediterranean Diet–friendly? Yes. Eggplant, olive oil, tahini, garlic, and lemon are all staples of Mediterranean-style eating.

How long does Baba Ghanoush last? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. The flavors deepen after a few hours, making it perfect for entertaining.

Is Baba Ghanoush vegan and gluten-free? Yes, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Baba Ghanoush is proof that simple ingredients can create incredible depth of flavor. Smoky, creamy, and endlessly versatile, this classic eggplant dip belongs in every Mediterranean kitchen. Whether served as part of a mezze platter or enjoyed as a healthy snack, it’s a timeless recipe you’ll come back to again and again.