Babagannush Meze Recipe

Babagannush Meze

Babagannuş, a flavor unique to Hatay cuisine, is a cold appetizer. It is also consumed on the tables of Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. This appetizer, whose main ingredients are eggplant, pepper and yoghurt, is also known as 'abugannuş'. If you like the sooty taste of roasted vegetables, you can serve this recipe on your dinner table as an appetizer or salad, or as a side dish. Bon Appetit!

In a Nutshell:

Ingredients:

For: 4 People
Prep: 20 Min
Cook: 15 Min
Eggplant (Big Belt) 3   Qty
Charleston Pepper (Big And Meaty) 3   Qty
Red Pepper 1   Qty
Dry Onion (Big) 1   Qty
Tomato 1   Qty
Garlic 2   Clove
Pomegranate Syrup 2   Tbsp
Olive Oil (Extra Virgin) 1   Half Cup
Powdered Red Pepper 1   Tsp
Chili Pepper (Pain) 1   Tsp
Black Pepper 1   Tsp
Salt 1   Tsp
Lemon Juice 1/2   Half Cup

Steps:

  1. Pierce the eggplants in 6-7 places with the help of a toothpick and roast them in the charcoal pan of the stove until they soften.
  2. Roast the peppers and the tomatoes you cut into 2 in a charcoal pan until they soften.
  3. Make a slit in the middle of the roasted eggplants and take out the insides with the help of a spoon. Prepare floury and salted water in a deep bowl and leave the eggplants in this water for 1/2 hour.
  4. Take the aubergines, from which you get the bitter juice by squeezing between your palms, on the cutting board and chop them into tiny pieces.
  5. Cut the roasted peppers and tomatoes into cubes and add them to the eggplants.
  6. Saute the finely chopped onions and crushed garlic in hot olive oil.
  7. In a deep mixing bowl, add the roasted vegetables, roasted onions, garlic, spices and mix.
  8. Flatten the mixture on the serving plate with the back of a spoon and pour lemon juice and pomegranate syrup on it.
  9. You can serve the Babagannuş cold by garnishing it with finely chopped parsley, if desired. Bon Appetit!

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Benefits of Ingredients in Babagannush Meze

Keep in mind: You can click on each ingredient to find other recipes that use that ingredient.

  • Eggplant: Eggplant, thanks to anthocyanins giving its purple color, is a powerful antioxidant source; particularly nasunin supports brain health. Its high fiber content aids digestion and promotes satiety. It's rich in vitamin K and potassium. An indispensable part of Mediterranean cuisine, eggplant perfectly pairs with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, lamb, yogurt, and mint. It can be transformed into many healthy and delicious dishes.
  • Charleston Pepper: Charleston pepper, with its mildly pungent taste, is a culinary staple. Its high Vitamin C content supports the immune system and aids collagen production. Thanks to capsaicin, it can boost metabolism and provides cellular protection with its antioxidant properties. Rich in fiber, it promotes digestive health. It pairs wonderfully with dishes like menemen, olive oil-based recipes, and grilled chicken/meat; it also adds a refreshing touch to salads.
  • Red Pepper: Red pepper, thanks to its capsaicin content, boosts metabolism, provides mild pain relief, and aids fat burning. Its high Vitamin C strengthens immunity, offers strong antioxidant protection for cells, and supports digestion. It pairs excellently with legumes, meat, chicken, tomatoes, and garlic, adding depth and warmth to dishes.
  • Pomegranate Syrup: Pomegranate Molasses (Nar Ekşisi) is a traditional condiment made from concentrated pomegranate juice, offering a unique blend of sharp tanginess and subtle sweetness. Rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, it supports cell regeneration and can boost the immune system. It also contributes positively to digestive health. This versatile ingredient adds exceptional depth to salads, mezes like kısır and lentil balls, olive oil-based dishes, and meat marinades. It pairs beautifully with walnuts, fresh mint, and leafy greens.

  • Dry Onion: Dry onion is a kitchen staple and a powerful antioxidant source. Its quercetin content helps protect the body against free radicals, reduces inflammation, and may support heart health. Rich in Vitamins C and B6, and manganese, it strengthens the immune system. Its prebiotic fibers contribute to digestive health. It is widely used in dishes ranging from meat dishes to vegetable sautés, pilafs, and soups. It pairs perfectly with garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and red meat.
  • Tomato: Tomato is a fruit rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and helps protect skin cells against UV damage. With Vitamin C, it boosts immunity, while potassium contributes to blood pressure regulation. Lycopene absorption is enhanced, especially when consumed with olive oil. It is an indispensable ingredient for basil, garlic, mozzarella, and various salad and pasta dishes.
  • Garlic: Garlic, thanks to its allicin compound, offers strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can boost the immune system, increasing resistance against illnesses. Furthermore, it contributes to cardiovascular health by helping regulate blood pressure and balance cholesterol levels. Widely used in traditional medicine, garlic is also known for its digestive support effects. An indispensable ingredient in meat dishes, vegetable sautés, and Mediterranean cuisine, it pairs wonderfully with herbs like rosemary and thyme.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil, especially in its extra virgin form, is a powerful source of health benefits due to its high content of polyphenol antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid). It supports heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). With its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces inflammation in the body, prevents cell damage, and provides protection against chronic diseases. It supports the digestive system and contributes to skin health. An indispensable part of Mediterranean cuisine, it pairs wonderfully with salads, vegetable dishes, fish, legumes, and fresh bread.
  • Powdered Red Pepper: Ground Red Pepper, due to its capsaicin content, can boost metabolism and aid in fat burning. Rich in powerful antioxidants and Vitamin C, it may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. It adds flavor to a wide range of dishes, from legumes and meat to soups and vegetable-based delights.
  • Chili Pepper: Red Pepper Flakes, beyond adding a unique heat to dishes, can help boost metabolism due to the capsaicin it contains. It also supports the body with its antioxidant properties and can benefit digestion. It pairs wonderfully with garlic, tomato, olive oil, and various meat dishes; it also adds depth to pasta and soups.
  • Lemon Juice: Lemon juice, rich in Vitamin C, boosts immunity and supports collagen synthesis for skin health. Its citrate content may help prevent kidney stone formation. A natural antioxidant, it reduces inflammation. It aids digestion by stimulating liver bile production. Added to water, it offers a detoxifying effect. Pairs perfectly with fish, chicken, salads, soups, marinades, and desserts, adding a refreshing and flavorful touch.

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