Smoky Eggplant Dip, flavorful dip made with charring the whole eggplant. Combine this with herbs like garlic and cilantro. Can you imagine the burst of flavors in your mouth?
As a child, I was never really fond of Eggplant. I guess it's only in the last 10 years that I have realized that Eggplant is a very versatile vegetable. Off all the recipes I have tried, I think I really like the technique of charring the eggplant which brings out an exotic smoky flavor. Over the years I became fond of Baingan Ka Bharta (oops, I should share that recipe soon), an Indian preparation where the Eggplant is charred and then a smash is made from cooking it with onions, tomatoes, garlic and other herbs. It's kind of similar to Baba Ganoush but still very different. This Smoky Eggplant Dip is inspired by the Indian eggplant smash, Baingan Ka Bharta.
The other day, I made this dip by charring the whole eggplant. Trust me the only main step in this recipe is charring the whole eggplant, rest is all easy. To get the best flavors, I charred the outside of the Eggplant on my gas cook top, until the skin was totally burnt and flaky. You could even oven roast the eggplant but to impart the smoky flavor,s it's best charred over a grill or gastop. It is a pretty straight forward dip from there on, just peel the skin, add the eggplant flesh, garlic, cilantro cumin and some yogurt into a food processor or blender and you are done. Blend the ingredients together and your dip is ready, as simple as that. If you want to make the dip vegan you can skip the yogurt but adding the yogurt gives it a perfect consistency. Honestly, I like the strong smoky flavor of eggplant, but it wouls have been a little too strong for Little A , so mellowing it down for him with yogurt was a good idea.
Now, this dip goes best with GOODTHiNS - The Wheat One -Ancient Grains or GOODTHiNS - The Potato One -Sweet Potato. Have you tried these before? I found them at my local grocery store at Kroger, as I was walking down the cracker aisle. Honestly, when you are walking past the cracker aisle you wouldn't think of real ingredients in that aisle right? However, that isn't the case when you are walking past the produce aisle right? Well, you will be delighted to learn that GOODTHiNS start with real ingredients (like wheat, potato, rice). They are combined with enticing flavors (like garlic, spinach and sweet potato) and baked thin and crispy without any artificial flavors, colors, cholesterol, partially hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup. How good is that eh? Real life snacks, baked with real ingredients. With wholesome goodness baked into every snack, it’s easy to make GOOD THiNS your Go-To Good.
Although I found multiple varieties on the shelf, I was particularly interested in the following
- GOOD THiNS- The Wheat One- Ancient Grains - Made with 100% whole grain wheat & age-old grains like quinoa, amaranth & millet. These square are baked deliciously thin & crispy.
- GOOD THiNS- The Beet One- Balsamic Vinegar & Sea Salt - If you like a slight tang like me, root for the Beet! These are flavored with balsamic vinegar and sea salt.
- GOOD THiNS- The Potato One- Sweet Potato - Sweet Potato GOOD THiNS are made with real sweet potatoes. Little A loved these when I gave these to him. When he tasted the first one, he was like "Mom, this is sweet, just like you' I was in awe. What is awesome is that these have 60% less fat than the leading regular fried potato chip.
I know I will be stocking up on these in the next couple weeks. They make a perfect after school snack. Kids love them and best of all they are baked with no unnecessary ingredients. Just whip up the dip and serve these perfectly baked GOOD THiNS. If you haven't checked them out already, check them out here. You can also visit their Facebook or Twitter page. The next time you are visiting Kroger (find your local Kroger here)or your local grocery store, walk down the cracker aisle and pick up a box of GOOD THiNS, pair them with our Smoky Eggplant Dip and you won't be disappointed at all.
Smoky Eggplant Dip
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant
- 2 tablespoon yogurt
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 2 garlic pods
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 green chilly (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- salt to taste
Instructions
Wash and pat dry the eggplant.
Char it over a grill or gas cooking range on direct flame, until the skin becomes flaky, burnt and black.
Peel the burnt skin and chop the eggplant into pieces.
Don't throw the juice from the eggplant.
Add the eggplant, juice, yogurt, cilantro & garlic cloves in a blender or food processor. If adding green chillies add them now.
Blend the ingredients together and and scoop the paste into a dipping bowl. Add salt, cumin powder and lemon juice if you like a slight tang. Mix well and your dip is ready to be served.
Emily says
I love good thins and this dip sounds amazing!!
Suzy @ In the Lyons Den says
We love eggplant but we just don't eat it enough. I do love it as a dip so am really keen to try this!
lifeshelives11 says
Oh wow this looks so tasty! I love eggplant but you had me at "smoky" if I'm honest. Saving for later!
Julie Estrella says
I don't think I have ever cooked eggplant, this looks delicious!
irishbakingadventures says
Such a tasty dip..have never used eggplant before great idea
Marian Mitchell says
I'm going to have to try this with a coconut milk yogurt or sheep milk yogurt. I love eggplant dips!
mamercury17 says
I love eggplant. I never thought to use it for a dip. I'm going to make this for the family when football season starts.
Ruchisvegkitchen says
Fantastic share.... brilliant captures. Will surely try
Jagruti says
I love anything with eggplant, dip looks absolutely finger licking good!
Christine says
Love these crackers! And this dip looks delicious. Haven't had eggplant in awhile, but it's so good!
VeronikasKitchen.com says
I love crackers with some new interesting dips. Never tried it with eggplant, but looks great!
Heather Riccobono (@BrieBrieBlooms) says
This looks wonderful! I bet my husband would love this as an appetizer or snack. I've never prepared eggplant this way but am looking forward to trying this week! #client
ada says
I never though you can make dip from eggplant! it was so creamy and delicious! Such a healthy snack! Thanks for sharing!
delphinemignon says
This dip looks really delicious, and the crackers go perfectly with it!
Shreya says
Very delicious! I'd love to taste this dip
Sushma Balasubramanian says
I love this simple yet flavour pack dip that you have shared.. sounds so healthy too
Adriana Martin says
Eggplants are one of my favorite vegetables. Love how hearty and meaty they are perfect for dips too. You dip looks so good I want some =)
Dominique| Perchance to Cook says
This looks so delish! I need to make this for my next girls night. YUUUMMM
Pam Wattenbarger says
I love Good Thins. They are some of my favorite crackers. They would be so perfect with this smoky eggplant dip.
Stephanie says
This is such a creative recipe! The flavors sound amazing!
afroz261 says
I make middle eastern eggplant dip very often instead of yogurt i use tahini. But this looks good and fresh. Next time i am trying your recipe.
lathiya says
A delicious dip from eggplant..Looks great
Joanna Everyday Made Fresh says
I bet I'd love this. I like the flavor of egg plant, but not the texture. So this would be quite tasty!