Protein Baba

Ingredients

This babaghanoush packs 60 grams of protein for the whole thing - break it up into 4 or 6 servings as an appetizer, or use it as a spread for your favorite sandwich.

To boost up the protein and make it more creamy, I added some thick greek yogurt in, but you can always skip the yogurt or add half.

Usually, you’ll want to grill the eggplant for maximum smoky flavor (ideally on a charcoal grill), but if you dont have a grill handy like me, this method in the oven will be just as good!

Here is how I made it:

1.Grab 2 medium eggplant, cut them in half, score them diagonally, then drizzle liberally with olive oil and season liberally with sea salt. Roast in the oven at 425F for 55-60 minutes. Time can vary by oven, so keep an eye on it. If you’re grilling, just make sure these are as mushy as possible, which means they are done!

2.Remove the cooked eggplant, carefully peel the skin, then put on top of a strainer to remove any excess liquid while it cools. You can also remove majorly excess seeds here if you prefer. Mine didn’t really have too many seeds, but if I come across an eggplant that’s too seedy, I’ll pick out extra seeds. Again, optional.

3.While thats going, grab a food processor, add in 3 large garlic cloves, the juice of 1 large lemon, 1/3 cup of a velvety tahini, a couple generous pinches salt (salt is KEY!). And to add some protein, add 1.5 cups of a thick greek yogurt- I used fage 0%. Whip these together without the eggplant and let sit in the food processor.

4.Add the eggplant into the food processor, and gently process, pulsing a few times until very well combined,

5.Then plate it up! I spread the baba at the bottom of a plate, then topped with some olive oil, fresh chopped mint and parsley, Aleppo pepper flakes, and pine nuts.

6.You can use this as a spread, as a dip, or as a topping. Always great with some lowcarb pita, crackers, or cucumber/carrots.

If you make it, be sure to let me know on SHREDHAPPENS! If you like Mediterranean food or middle eastern food, follow along!

ENJOY!