| Silky Mutabal (Eggplant and Tahini Dip) |
Mutabal is a creamy, smoky Middle Eastern dip made primarily from... |
Middle Eastern, Appetizer, Vegetarian, Vegan option, Gluten-Free, Mediterranean, Snack, Healthy, Make-ahead |
{"title":"Silky Mutabal (Eggplant and Tahini Dip)","description":"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.","short_description":"A creamy and smoky eggplant dip enriched with tahini and spices, perfect for appetizers.","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"],"components":[{"name":"Eggplant Dip Base","ingredients":[{"name":"eggplant","quantity":"2 lbs","preparation_notes":"Slice lengthwise and brush with olive oil, roast until tender"},{"name":"garlic","quantity":"2 cloves","preparation_notes":"minced"},{"name":"lemon juice","quantity":"1\/4 cup","preparation_notes":"freshly squeezed"},{"name":"tahini","quantity":"3 tbsp"},{"name":"plain Greek yogurt","quantity":"2 tbsp","preparation_notes":"optional"},{"name":"salt","quantity":"1 tsp"},{"name":"cumin","quantity":"1\/2 tsp"}],"tools_and_equipment":["oven","baking sheet","parchment paper","knife","brush","colander","sieve","food processor or mixing bowl"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Preheat the oven to 450\u00b0F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Slice eggplants lengthwise and brush the cut sides with olive oil. Place cut side down on the prepared baking sheet."},{"step_number":3,"description":"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."},{"step_number":4,"description":"Scoop out the eggplant flesh and place it in a colander to drain for 30 minutes."},{"step_number":5,"description":"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."}]},{"name":"Garnishing","ingredients":[{"name":"pomegranate seeds","quantity":"to taste","substitutions":["diced tomatoes"]},{"name":"mint leaves","quantity":"10","preparation_notes":"chopped"},{"name":"parsley","quantity":"2 tbsp","preparation_notes":"chopped"},{"name":"dried mint","quantity":"1\/4 tsp"},{"name":"olive oil","quantity":"for drizzling"}],"tools_and_equipment":[],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Serve the dip in a shallow bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with pomegranate seeds, mint, and parsley."}]}],"prep_time":"10 minutes","cook_time":"45 minutes","total_time":"1 hour 25 minutes","servings":"6","tags":["Middle Eastern","Appetizer","Vegetarian","Vegan option","Gluten-Free","Mediterranean","Snack","Healthy","Make-ahead"],"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.","nutrition":{"calories":"87","protein":"3g","fat":"4g","carbohydrates":"12g","fiber":"5g","sugar":"6g"},"serving_suggestions":"Pairs well with fresh vegetables or pita chips. Also great as a spread for sandwiches or alongside grilled meats.","storage":"Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months but may have texture changes.","dietary_info":["Vegetarian","Gluten-Free","Vegan option with no yogurt"],"cooking_tips":["Removing the eggplant seeds can help reduce bitterness.","Use high-quality tahini for best results."],"variations":["Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra smokiness.","Include roasted red peppers for a sweeter version."],"ingredient_spotlight":"Tahini adds a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the dish, making it an essential ingredient.","flavor_profile":{"sweet":2,"savory":8,"sour":5,"bitter":3,"umami":7},"geographic_region":"Middle East","seasonality":"All year round","sustainability_score":{"score":80,"details":"Eggplants and tahini have relatively low environmental impacts, especially when sourced locally."},"occasion":"Casual gatherings, parties, potlucks","skill_level":"Beginner","cost_estimate":10,"recommended_pairings":["Serve with Armenian flatbread or pita bread.","Pair with grilled chicken or lamb kabobs."]} |
