**Grilled Eggplant Dip (Mutabal): A Delightful Blend of Smoky and Creamy Flavors**
Indulge in the smoky and creamy delight of Mutabal, a quintessential Middle Eastern dip crafted from grilled eggplant. This culinary masterpiece combines the subtle smokiness of charred eggplant with the richness of tahini, garlic, and spices. Mutabal is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer with pita bread, as a sandwich spread, or as a complement to grilled meats. It is also a vegan and gluten-free option, making it a delightful choice for those with dietary restrictions. This article presents a collection of Mutabal recipes, each offering unique variations on the classic dish. From a traditional Lebanese recipe to a spicy Turkish version, there's a Mutabal recipe to suit every palate. Discover the culinary wonders of this delectable dip and embark on a journey of flavors.
GRILLED EGGPLANT DIP
Steps:
- Heat a grill to medium. Brush the bell pepper with some of the canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Brush the eggplant slices on both sides with more of the canola oil, season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the eggplant until charred on the first side, about 3 minutes. Turn and continue grilling until tender, another 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the eggplant to a cutting board. Grill the bell pepper, turning occasionally, until charred all over and tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let steam while you make the eggplant puree.
- Smash the garlic cloves, sprinkle them with salt, and mash and smear them to a paste using the side of a knife. Remove the skin from the eggplant and transfer the flesh to a food processor. Add the garlic paste, tahini, yogurt, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, and the lemon zest, oregano and smoked paprika. Process until smooth and thick. Add salt to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl and let sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Peel, seed and dice the bell pepper.
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over the dip. Top with the diced peppers and the chopped parsley. Serve with warm pita or lavash.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 419, Fat 25 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Cholesterol 1 milligrams, Sodium 434 milligrams, Carbohydrate 42 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 9 grams, Sugar 8 grams
MUTABAL
Provided by Rawia Bishara
Categories Tomato Side Vegetarian Backyard BBQ Eggplant Grill Grill/Barbecue Vegan Lemon Juice Chile Pepper Pescatarian Paleo Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for grilling over high heat, or turn 3 gas burners to high. Place the eggplants directly onto the coals or flame and grill, using tongs to turn them as the skin chars, until blackened all over. Set aside to cool.
- Alternatively, roast the eggplant in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Pierce the eggplants in a few places with a sharp knife, place them on the prepared baking sheet and roast, turning every 5 minutes or so, until the skin is blistered and begins to crack all over. Set aside to cool.
- Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, transferring it directly to a strainer to allow the liquid to release.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes with the chile peppers, if using, garlic, shallot, 1/2 cup parsley, 3 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, cumin, pepper and salt. Add the drained eggplant and mix together with a fork. Transfer the eggplant mixture to a serving bowl and drizzle with the remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Garnish with the remaining parsley and surround with the cucumber slices.
MUTABAL (EGGPLANT-TAHINI DIP)
Not to be mistaken for baba ghanouj, mutabal is a dip that leans on spices rather than citrus for its flavor. Serve with pita and raw vegetables for dipping.
Provided by Reem Assil
Yield Makes 2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook the eggplants directly on the burner of a gas stove or in the oven. On a gas stove, sear the eggplants directly over a medium-high flame. Rotate every 5 minutes, until the globes are completely blackened, about 15 minutes total. Alternately, preheat the oven to 450°F. Place the eggplants on a sheet tray, poke them all over with the tines of a fork, rub them with the oil, and place the tray in the oven and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until the eggplants collapse in on themselves and the skins are blackened.
- Place the cooked eggplants in a bowl and seal the bowl with plastic wrap to let the eggplants steam in their own juices.
- In a medium bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice and zest, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- When the eggplants have cooled enough to touch, split them lengthwise. Using a spoon, scrape out the pulp, discarding the skins and stems. For a milder flavor, scrape the seeds off the strands of pulp.
- Use a fork to mash the pulp into the tahini-garlic mix, creating a chunky dip. Adjust the salt to taste.
- When ready to serve, scoop the eggplant mixture onto a serving plate. Use a spoon to create a well in the center and drizzle in the oil, then garnish with the molasses, pomegranate seeds, and parsley.
Tips:
- Choose ripe, firm eggplants with smooth, unblemished skin for the best flavor and texture.
- Grilling the eggplants over an open flame or in a grill pan imparts a smoky flavor that enhances the dip.
- Make sure to let the grilled eggplants cool slightly before handling, as they will be very hot.
- Use a food processor or immersion blender to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency for the dip.
- Adjust the amount of garlic, lemon juice, and tahini to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Garnish the dip with fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or mint, for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Serve the dip with pita bread, crackers, or vegetable crudités for dipping.
Conclusion:
Grilled eggplant dip, also known as Mutabal, is a delicious and versatile Middle Eastern dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its smoky, creamy texture and tangy flavor, this dip is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Whether you are hosting a party or simply looking for a healthy and flavorful snack, this grilled eggplant dip is a great choice. So, fire up your grill and give this recipe a try today!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love