Mutabbel Recipe: Creamy, Smoky, and Delicious Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip
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| Delicious and smoky Mutabbel served with warm pita bread, garnished with olive oil, parsley, and pomegranate seeds. |
Mutabbel, also known as Moutabal or Baba Ghanoush (though there are subtle differences), is a beloved Middle Eastern dip made primarily from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Its creamy texture, smoky flavor, and tangy kick make it a perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, craving a healthy snack, or exploring Middle Eastern cuisine, mutabbel is both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
What Is Mutabbel?
Mutabbel is a Levantine dish that highlights the humble eggplant in all its glory. Unlike hummus, which is made from chickpeas, mutabbel focuses on roasted eggplant mixed with tahini (sesame seed paste), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The roasting process imparts a unique smoky flavor, giving the dip its signature taste. Mutabbel is traditionally served with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as part of a meze platter.
Ingredients
To make authentic mutabbel at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants– choose firm, shiny ones for the best flavor
- 90 g tahini– creamy sesame paste
- 2 garlic cloves– minced or crushed
- 60 g lemon juice– freshly squeezed
- 60 g olive oil– plus extra for drizzling
- Salt– to taste
- 2.85 g ground cumin– optional, adds warmth
- Fresh parsley– for garnish
- Pomegranate seeds– optional, for a pop of color and sweetness
Step-by-Step Mutabbel Recipe
1. Roast the Eggplants
Start by roasting the eggplants to bring out their natural sweetness and smoky flavor. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Pierce the eggplants a few times with a fork to prevent them from bursting, then place them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 30–40 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. You can also roast them over an open flame or on a gas stove for a more intense smoky taste.
2. Peel and Mash
Once the eggplants are roasted, let them cool slightly. Carefully peel off the charred skin, it should come off easily. Place the soft flesh in a bowl and mash it with a fork or potato masher. Some people prefer a completely smooth texture, in which case you can use a food processor.
3. Mix the Ingredients
Add tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and cumin (if using) to the mashed eggplant. Mix thoroughly until the dip is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed a little extra lemon juice can brighten the flavor, while more tahini will make it creamier.
4. Chill or Serve Immediately
Mutabbel can be served immediately at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. The dip tends to thicken slightly as it chills, which makes it perfect for spreading on bread or dipping vegetables.
5. Garnish and Enjoy
Before serving, transfer the mutabbel to a serving bowl. Drizzle some olive oil on top, sprinkle chopped parsley, and optionally add pomegranate seeds for a touch of color and sweetness. Serve with warm pita bread, fresh vegetable sticks, or as part of a larger Middle Eastern spread.
Tips for the Perfect Mutabbel
Smokier flavor: Roast eggplants directly over a gas flame or grill for that classic Middle Eastern smoky taste.
Tahini balance: Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust gradually. Too much tahini can overpower the eggplant flavor.
Garlic intensity: Use fresh garlic and taste as you mix. You want a gentle garlic flavor, not overwhelming.
Make ahead: Mutabbel tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together.
Health Benefits
Mutabbel is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Eggplants are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Tahini provides healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium and magnesium. Together, these ingredients make mutabbel a wholesome and satisfying snack or appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Mutabbel is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
As a dip: Serve with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers.
As a spread: Use it as a sandwich spread for wraps or pita sandwiches.
In meze platters: Pair it with hummus, tabbouleh, falafel, and olives for an authentic Middle Eastern experience.
Final Thoughts
Homemade mutabbel is creamy, smoky, and tangy a true Middle Eastern classic that’s simple to make yet full of flavor. With just a few ingredients and a little roasting, you can create a dip that impresses family, friends, or even yourself. It’s healthy, vegan, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of diets.
Next time you want a flavorful snack or appetizer, reach for eggplants and tahini– your taste buds will thank you!
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