Silky Mutabal (Eggplant and Tahini Dip)

A creamy and smoky eggplant dip enriched with tahini and spices, perfect for appetizers.

Mutabal is a creamy, smoky Middle Eastern dip made primarily from charred eggplant blended with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin. This dip, garnished with pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs, offers a delightful blend of savory and tangy flavors, making it a perfect appetizer or snack.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Servings: 6

Full Ingredient List

  • 2 lbs eggplant
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 3 tbsp tahini
  • 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • pomegranate seeds for garnish
  • 10 mint leaves, chopped
  • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp dried mint
  • olive oil

Eggplant Dip Base

Tools and Equipment

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
2 lbs eggplant Slice lengthwise and brush with olive oil, roast until tender
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
3 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt optional
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cumin

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Slice eggplants lengthwise and brush the cut sides with olive oil. Place cut side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Roast eggplants for about 35 minutes until the interior is tender and the skin is loose. Then broil for 6-8 minutes to char the skin. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Scoop out the eggplant flesh and place it in a colander to drain for 30 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Mix the drained eggplant with garlic, lemon juice, tahini, yogurt, salt, and cumin in a bowl or food processor until well combined. Adjust salt to taste if needed.

Garnishing

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
to taste pomegranate seeds diced tomatoes
10 mint leaves chopped
2 tbsp parsley chopped
1/4 tsp dried mint
for drizzling olive oil

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Serve the dip in a shallow bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with pomegranate seeds, mint, and parsley.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 87
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 6g

Additional Information

Notes: If the dip is slightly bitter, adding more salt can balance the flavor. The optional yogurt provides extra creaminess. This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Background: Mutabal is a traditional dip enjoyed across the Middle East, known for its smoky flavor derived from roasting eggplant. It is closely related to baba ganoush, though typically uses tahini and fewer ingredients.

Geographic Region: Middle East

Seasonality: All year round

Occasion: Casual gatherings, parties, potlucks

Recommended Pairings

  • Serve with Armenian flatbread or pita bread.
  • Pair with grilled chicken or lamb kabobs.

Tags

Middle Eastern Appetizer Vegetarian Vegan option Gluten-Free Mediterranean Snack Healthy Make-ahead