Best Dip Ever (aka “Fake Baba Ghanoush”)

 Ingredients:

1 eggplant, sliced across 1/2” thick

1/2 can white beans or chickpeas, drained

1/4 cup EVOO + more

1 Tbsp lemon juice

1 garlic clove

Lots of salt

1/2 tsp Ajika seasoning or smoked paprika

1/4 cup Italian parsley leaves, chopped

Bread or crackers for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°. 

2. Cover each eggplant slice with salt and set in a colander to drain for 10 minutes. Rinse off well, pat dry, and smear EVOO on each slice. Place each slice on a cookie sheet or rimmed baking sheet. You should be able to fit all the slices on one sheet.

3. Bake eggplant for 15 minutes. Flip each slice over and bake another 10-15 minutes, until starting to char. Set aside for a bit to cool.

4. Add eggplant and all other ingredients to a food processor. Do not add salt! There will be enough from the eggplant. Process until consistency is very smooth.

5. Try not to eat it all right off the spoon. Or do. Life is short! 😋

6. Serve with the best bread you can get your hands on. Enjoy!

Notes:

*If garlic taste is too pungent, reduce to 1/2 clove or roast garlic first.

*Kids can help chop or process, and they might even like it even though eggplant is clearly the grossest food on the planet! 😜