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Babu-Ganoush

This jungle-worthy, kid-tested recipe for Babu-ganoush is mighty delicious and almost too cute to eat!

Prep Time: 65 minutes

Makes 30 ounce appetizer / 8 servings

How To Make This Recipe

Ingredients

For the spread:

  • 3/4 pound roasted eggplant
  • 3 tablespoons scallions
  • 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped
  • 1-2 lemons, juiced
  • Kosher salt
  • 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 15 ounce can chick peas (garbanzo beans), drained
  • 4 tablespoons sesame tahini (sesame paste)


For Babu's Face:

  • 3 tablespoons sliced black olives (for eyes and nose)
  • 3 tablespoons sliced tomato (for mouth)
  • 3 tablespoons. breadcrumbs (for face stripes and center of ears)
  • 1/2 whole wheat pita (to make ears and hair)


Optional garnish for dipping:

  • 1 seedless cucumber, peeled and cut into thin slices
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • Medium whole black olives, pitted and sliced
  • 12 ounce pack whole wheat pita

Supplies

  • Food processor
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Mixing spatula
  • Serving plate
  • Serving bowl
  • Pastry brush
  • Safety scissors
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Instructions

  1. Cut a slit down the center of the eggplant, press slightly open, brush inside and out with 2-3 tablespoons olive oil.
  2. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and roast at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until all sides feel squishy when pressed with a fork.
  3. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for at least two hours.
  4. Add scallions, minced garlic, and parsley to a food processor and chop.
  5. Continuing to add to food processor, mix in tahini, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add chick peas and blend.
  6. Mix in chili powder, cumin and salt to taste. Set aside.
  7. Peel cooled eggplant by hand. Turn the eggplant inside-out through the slit and pull all of the eggplant off of the peel. Discard peel.
  8. Add eggplant to mixture in food processor and blend thoroughly.
  9. Using a mixing spatula, scoop the Babu-Ganoush into a serving bowl.
  10. Cut up pita wedges to lay on plate around the bowl.
  11. To create Babu's ears, cut two pieces of pita in half circles.
  12. To make Babu's hair, cut a few very thin slices of pita.
  13. Use olives to make eyes and a nose, and sliced tomato for Babu's mouth.
  14. To create Babu's stripes on his face, sprinkle breadcrumbs with your fingers. Sprinkle a pinch of chili powder if desired.
  15. You're an artist, you just made Babu's face!
  16. Add garnish for dipping in a plate around the bowl of Babu's face! Chill, serve and enjoy eating as a healthy snack, or a lip-smacking good vegetarian meal!