Glorious Lebanese Baba Ganoush: A Smoky Eggplant Spread Perfect for Any Occasion

Baba Ganoush is a delightful Middle Eastern appetizer made with roasted eggplants, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It's a creamy and smoky dip that's often served as part of a mezze platter. This recipe brings out the authentic flavors of the dish, offering a luscious and healthy spread perfect for dipping pita bread or fresh vegetables.

### Ingredients

- 2 large eggplants- 3 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)- 2 cloves of garlic, minced- Juice of 1 lemon- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling- Salt, to taste- Optional: pinch of cumin- Parsley and paprika, for garnish

### Instructions

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. **Prepare the Eggplants**: Prick the eggplants in several places with a fork. This will prevent them from bursting during cooking.

3. **Roast the Eggplants**: Place the eggplants directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and roast for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is wrinkled and the flesh is very soft.

4. **Cool and Peel**: Remove the eggplants from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Once they're cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and discard it. Place the flesh in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

5. **Mash the Eggplant**: Use a fork or potato masher to mash the eggplant until it reaches your desired consistency. Some prefer a chunkier texture, while others like it smoother.

6. **Mix the Ingredients**: Add the tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to the eggplant. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and a pinch of cumin (if using).

7. **Adjust Seasoning**: Taste the baba ganoush and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice, salt, or tahini to suit your flavor preferences.

8. **Serve**: Transfer the baba ganoush to a serving dish. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top, and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika.

9. **Enjoy**: Serve your glorious Lebanese Baba Ganoush with warm pita bread, pita chips, or an array of fresh vegetables.

This inviting dish is not only simple to prepare but also nutritious and full of flavor, making it a perfect addition to any gathering or as a healthy snack.