Mutabal Recipe (Roasted Eggplant Dip)

mutabal in a bowl resting on a cutting board with pita.

5 from 3 votes

Mutabal Recipe (Roasted Eggplant Dip)

Mutabal is a Middle Eastern eggplant dip that's smooth and creamy, smoky, garlicky, nutty, and very healthy (naturally gluten-free with a vegan option). Pair it with pita or raw veggies for the perfect savory appetizer that's ready in just 30 minutes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: servings

Calories: 107kcal

Author: MaryAnne

Equipment

Food processor or blender

Ingredients

2 eggplants
¼ cup tahini paste
¼ cup full-fat or 2% yogurt
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (for garnish)
¼ teaspoon each: cayenne pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

Pierce eggplants all over with a fork and place on a large baking sheet.
Turn broiler to the highest setting, and place eggplants under broiler for 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until the skin turns black and the flesh is softened.
Let the eggplants cool down for 10-15 minutes.
Use a sharp knife to remove the skin off of eggplants (this should be very easy to do at this stage).
Chop the flesh and add it to a food processor or blender. Add tahini paste, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and salt, and blend until smooth. If using cayenne, cumin, and paprika, add and blend for an additional 30 seconds.
Transfer dip to a serving platter and garnish with parsley and olive oil. Serve with pita or crudité.

Notes

To ensure beautifully smoky eggplants, grill them directly over an open flame or under a broiler. You can also roast your eggplants for 25 minutes at 350 degrees F, but they won't taste as smoky. However, you can add liquid smoke to create a smoky flavor.
Poke holes all over your eggplants to avoid exploding eggplant.
How to store: Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to freeze: You can freeze your dip but the texture may change after being frozen. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, place in refrigerator overnight.
How to serve: Mutabal is usually served as part of a mezze/meze platter containing lots of small plates. Traditionally, flatbread, olives, hummus, nuts, and veggies like cucumbers and carrots are included.

Nutrition