Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about this topic:
Baba
ghanoush is a popular Levantine dish of eggplant (aubergine) mashed and mixed
with various seasonings. Frequently the eggplant is baked or broiled over an
open flame before peeling, so that the pulp is soft and has a smoky taste. Baba
ghanoush is usually eaten as a dip with pita bread, and is sometimes added to
other dishes. It is usually of an earthy light brown color.
Mutabbal
Similar
to baba ganouj is another Levantine dish mutabbal (lit. 'spiced'), which also
includes mashed cooked aubergines and tahini, and mixed with salt, pepper,
olive oil, and anar seeds. Moutabel is sometimes said to be a spicier version
of baba ghanoush.
In
Armenia the dish is known as mutabal. The essential ingredients in Armenian
mutabal are eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon, and onion; and most Armenians also
add cumin.
Eggplant, a very traditional Armenian ingredient, cannot be used in my home recipes due to my
husband’s allergies. So
when an acquaintance suggested making mutabal with beets, I was intrigued.
When I made the recipe I used canned beets, and served it with toasted pita chips.
To make the pita chips, I cut pita bread into triangles, sprayed the tops with vegetable spray (olive oil PAM), and baked them in a 350 degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes.
Mutabal - Beet Dip or Spread
To make the pita chips, I cut pita bread into triangles, sprayed the tops with vegetable spray (olive oil PAM), and baked them in a 350 degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes.
Mutabal - Beet Dip or Spread
Ingredients:
2 large red beets, roasted or boiled, peeled, and cut
into cubes (One 15-oz. can of beets – not marinated – can be substituted. Drain beets before using.)
2 Tbsp. tahini
2 Tbsp. plain yogurt
1 clove minced garlic
Juice of one lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
olive oil, toasted pine nuts, or chopped parsley
Directions:
1. Process cooked, peeled (or canned, drained) beets in a
food processor. Drain excess liquid. Add remaining ingredients – except
for those listed as toppings – and
process until smooth and well-combined.
2. Place mixture in a serving bowl. Before serving,
drizzle top with olive oil. Garnish with toasted pine nuts or chopped parsley.
Serve with pita bread triangles, pita chips, or vegetable dippers.
Yum! One of my friends is a beet-aholic so I'll share this recipe with her. Hope you two are both doing well! :)
ReplyDeleteNice to hear from you, Erin! All is well here. Thanks for sharing this recipe with your friend - and - say hello to Anna.
DeleteHave a bumper crop of beets! Eggplant, not so much. So I will try this today.
ReplyDeleteMade it, and it passes the kid test. They love it !
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! You didn't waste any time trying this recipe. I'm so glad it 'made the grade' with the kiddies!
DeleteAwesome recipes!! but my favorite eggplant recipe is Grilled Aubergine Eggplant.
ReplyDelete