Babagahummus (a Baba Ganoush Hummus Hybrid)

(Note: this post was originally published on September 27, 2020. It has since been updated with a few tweaks.)

A Baba Ganoush Hummus Hybrid: The Best of Both Worlds

This unique recipe is a synthesis of two very delicious Middle Eastern Dips: baba ganoush and hummus. It's delicious, savory, high in protein, wonderfully creamy, and perfect for summer when eggplants are at their peak. Although decidedly non-traditional, I think you're going to love this unique baba ganoush hummus combo.

In case you need some background, baba ganoush is an eggplant-based, smoky-flavored, Middle Eastern dip. Hummus originates from the same region, but is made from chickpeas (this lemon hummus is a good place to start if you want to try making your own). Both utilize tahini, both often utilize lemon, and both are delicious when scooped up with pita (more traditionally) or chips, crackers, and veggies.

Why are these two dips even better together? There are several reasons why this baba ganoush hummus combo is the best of both worlds. The chickpeas add great protein, making this vegan dip satisfying and hearty; they also help to tame the eggplant flavor, which can be assertive to people who don't love eggplant. In fact, Trader Joe's has recently started making an eggplant hummus, so clearly I'm on to something with this combination!

‍

How to Make Eggplant Hummus

Although this baba ganoush hummus combo is a synthesis of two different dips, it's relatively simple to make. You'll just cut an eggplant in half length-wise and broil it until charred and then scoop out the creamy insides, leaving the skin behind. Next you'll combine the roasted eggplant with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, salt, and some spices, and process it in a food processor until rich and creamy.

‍

Eggplant Roasting Options

You'll see that this recipe suggests broiling the eggplant halves, cut-side up; I've found this to be the fastest way to cook it while still getting some nice char. More traditional recipes call for roasting (either cut in half or whole), which you can also try. If you have a grill, it works nicely to cut the eggplant in half and grill it cut-side down. Whichever way you choose to cook it, just make sure the eggplant is very soft so that you can easily scoop out the flesh.

‍

The Importance of Tahini in this Eggplant Hummus

One of the stars of this baba ganoush hummus hybrid is tahini. It's used in both hummus and baba ganoush, so it helps to bring those two dishes together. Tahini is a luscious, flavorful, and versatile ingredient that you can read more about in my guide for how to use tahini.

Make sure to get a really good tahini. You'll want to use one that's creamy, nutty, and delicately sweet. Beware that many store brands can be grainy and bitter. My personal go-to is Seeds of Collaboration, which is what I recommend using in this recipe. If you use the code ROGUE at check-out, you'll save 20% on your entire order.

‍

Baba Ganoush Hummus Variations

Looking to make this fusion dip your own? If you're a garlic lover, try blending in a few cloves of roasted garlic. For a spicy version, you can experiment with adding some cayenne. If you want more savoriness without heat, add some cumin and/or smoked paprika. To add more protein (and a delightful crunchy component), top it with some roasted chickpeas.

‍

Make an Eggplant Hummus Platter

Looking for an easy way to entertain guests or do a fun date night at home? Try making a mezze platter featuring this baba ganoush hummus. In case you need some extra inspiration, check out this snack board guide for more ideas, tips, recipes, and examples.

The platter shown here is loosely Middle Eastern inspired, in order to match the origins of both hummus and baba ganoush. You can make a similar platter by using the following:

1. A hearty bread-like component (shown here: pita chips; also good: fresh pita, fresh bread, whole grain crackers, bread sticks)
   
2. Fresh veggies (shown here: baby cucumbers, baby bell peppers, cherry tomatoes; also good: sugar snap peas, carrots, cauliflower)
3. Fresh fruit (shown here: nectarines; also good: peaches, apricots, grapes, figs)
4. Dried fruit (shown here: raisins; also good: apricots, figs)
   
5. Nuts (shown here: almonds, sesame seeds; also good: pistachios, pine nuts, marcona almonds, walnuts)
6. Something tangy: (shown here: pickled red onion; also good: cucumber pickles, dilly beans, pepperoncini)

‍

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's what you'll need for this baba ganoush hummus recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

• Medium-sized eggplant
• Olive oil
• Salt
  
• Chickpeas
  
• Tahini. Seeds of Collaboration is the tahini I always use in my own kitchen. Remember to use the code ROGUE at check-out to get 20% off.
• Lemon juice
• Sumac. Sumac is a dried spice with a lovely citrus flavor; I highly recommend adding it to your pantry. It's not critical for this recipe, but it brings some extra depth to the flavors in this baba ganoush hummus. If you can't find sumac, try adding the zest of the same lemon that you'll be juicing.
• Paprika
• Garnishes. As shown here, I garnished this eggplant hummus simply with a swirl of olive oil, some pine nuts, and a sprinkle of sumac. Pistachios, toasted chickpeas, sesame seeds, fresh mint, and/or fresh parsley would also work nicely.

‍

Other Hummus Recipes to Try

If you love this smoky eggplant hummus, then there are many other hummus recipes here for you to explore:

• For a relatively classic recipe, try this lemon hummus (you can either use or omit the toppings)
• For a fresh flavor and a vibrant green color, try this green goddess herb hummus
• To incorporate anti-inflammatory turmeric into your meals, try this superfood turmeric hummus
• To celebrate an iconic spring ingredient, try this easy carrot hummus
• If you want to take hummus in a beachy direction for summer, try this tropical coconut lime hummus
• To make a fun, whimsical, kid-appropriate version, try this colorful unicorn hummus
• If you want to celebrate an iconic fall ingredient, try this savory pumpkin hummus
• For an unforgettable holiday appetizer, try this maple sea salt hummus with pomegranate

‍

Closing Thoughts

Isn't this baba ganoush hummus fun? Although it's far from traditional, it's a great way to use eggplants while they're in season. Adding a big bowl of this dip onto a mezze platter is an easy way to host friends or to do a casual date night at home.

While this eggplant hummus can function beautifully as a dip, there are plenty of other ways to use it too. Try spreading it onto sandwiches and wraps, or dolloping it onto a big salad to add protein and creaminess. It pairs nicely with any Middle Eastern or Mediterranean flavors, and its earthiness and decadent texture are a perfect complement for fresh veggies.

So what are you waiting for? Baba ganoush and hummus are both wonderful, but they're even better together. There's no need to buy the container of eggplant hummus at Trader Joe's when you can make your own easily at home using the freshest ingredients.

‍

‍

Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

‍

Suggested Pairings

Honey Fig Gin and Tonic

Grilled Peach and Farro Salad with Basil

Raw Fall Salad with Lemon-Pistachio Dukkah

Confetti Garden Vegetable Farro Salad‍

Farinata (Chickpea Flour Flatbread)‍

‍

Disclosure: Seeds of Collaboration is a long-term partner. I receive free product from Seeds of Collaboration and take a small commission on sales using the discount code. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Rogue Brussel Sprout running.