Baba Ganoush. Even the name is cool. Strictly speaking, it?s eggplant dip or aubergine dip, but really it?s so much more.

This Baba Ganoush recipe is smoky, soft and delicious. Hailing from the Arab and Levantine (Eastern Mediterranean) world, it?s also known as Baba Ghanoush and Baba Ghanouj.

Like hummus, this middle eastern recipe is based on tahini, garlic and a sprinkle of paprika, making it explode with flavour.

The name apparently derives from a daughter who made a pulpy mash for her toothless old father ? what can I say ? toothless or not, he was treated well with this one!

What?s in a name" – Eggplant Dip vs Aubergine Dip

As if the name for the dip wasn?t varied enough, the vegetable itself changes names across the English-speaking world.
In Canada, the US, and Australia, the venerable veggie is known as an eggplant.

Across the water, in little ol? Britain they know them as aubergines, and give confused looks to strangers who ask for eggplants.

?What"! Eggs in a plant! Impossible, you crazy fool!? is the reply you?ll likely get for asking.

But regardless of whether you call this an eggplant dip recipe or an aubergine dip recipe, you still need to know what you?re looking for in this Baba Ganoush / Baba Ghanoush.

Feeling fruity" How to pick the right aubergines or eggplants for your dip

Pick an eggplant up and give it a squeeze ? it should be firm, but not rock hard. If it?s squishy or you can easi...