Baba Ghanoush Made Simple

Description
Adjust the amount of eggplant, garlic and lemon juice in this dip depending on how creamy, garlicky or tart you want it to be. The dip can be served with a garnish of chopped fresh cilantro, olives or pickled cucumbers. Hot pepper sauce or a little ground coriander can be added too. Make sure to have toasted wedges of pita bread on hand for dipping.
 * Cook time: Varies
 * Serves: 2 – 4

Ingredients

 * 1 large or 2 medium eggplants
 * 2 – 4 garlic cloves, chopped
 * 6 – 10 tbsp tahini
 * juice of 1 lemon, or to taste

Directions

 * 1) Place the eggplant(s) directly over the flame of a gas stove or on the coals of a barbecue.
 * 2) Turn the eggplant fairly frequently until deflated and the skin is evenly charred.
 * 3) Remove from the heat with tongs.
 * 4) Alternatively, place under a hot broiler, turning frequently, until charred.
 * 5) Put the eggplant(s) in a plastic bag and seal the top tightly, or place in a bowl and cover with crumpled paper towels.
 * 6) Leave to cool for 30 – 60 minutes.
 * 7) Peel off the blackened skin from the eggplant(s), reserving the juices.
 * 8) Chop the eggplant flesh, either by hand for a coarse texture or in a food processor for a smooth purée.
 * 9) Put the eggplant in a bowl and stir in the reserved juices.
 * 10) Add the garlic and tahini to the eggplant and stir until smooth.
 * 11) Stir in the lemon juice.
 * 12) If the mixture becomes too thick, add 1 – 2 tbsp water.
 * 13) Spoon into a serving bowl.
 * 14) Serve at room temperature.