Baba Ghanouj – I Adore Food

Directions

1. 1
   Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill or a BBQ.
2. 2
   Preheat an oven to 375°F.
3. 3
   Prick the eggplant with a fork in several places and place on the grill rack 4 to 5 inches from the fire.
4. 4
   Grill, turning frequently, until the skin blackens and blisters and the flesh just begins to feel soft, 10 to 15 minutes.
5. 5
   Transfer the eggplant to a baking sheet and bake until very soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
6. 6
   Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and peel off and discard the skin.
7. 7
   Place the eggplant flesh in a bowl.
8. 8
   Using a fork, mash the eggplant to a paste.
9. 9
   Add the 1/4 cup tahini, the garlic, the 1/4 cup lemon juice and the cumin and mix well.
10. 10
    Season with salt, then taste and add more tahini and/or lemon juice, if needed.
11. 11
    Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and spread with the back of a spoon to form a shallow well.
12. 12
    Drizzle the olive oil over the top and sprinkle with the parsley.
13. 13
    Place the olives around the sides.