In the realm of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, two iconic dips have gained worldwide popularity and recognition, Baba Ganoush and Hummus. Whilst both dips share similar ingredients they are separated by the distinct flavors. As a Lebanese foodie who grew up on both these dips, I’ll dive into the key differences between Baba Ganoush and Hummus in this article.
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Ingredients Difference Between Baba Ganoush and Hummus
| Ingredient | Hummus | Baba Ganoush |
| Main Flavor | Chickpeas | Eggplant (either smokey or nonsmokey) |
| Lemon juice | Yes | Yes |
| Tahini | Yes | Yes |
| Garlic | Optional | Optional |
| Olive oil | For topping | For topping |
| Water/ice | For adjusting the consistency, if needed | No |
| Salt | Yes | Yes |
As noted in the above ingredients comparison table between the two dips, the main flavors are contrastingly different being eggplant vs chickpeas.
Baba Ganoush entices with its rich and smoky essence from the eggplants, complemented by the creaminess of tahini and the tang of lemon juice.
Hummus, on the other hand, boasts a creamy and nutty profile, with the earthiness of chickpeas beautifully balanced by the nuttiness of tahini and the brightness of lemon juice.
Some recipes may call for additional flavorings.
Baba Ganoush tends to be a little more textured with small chunks of eggplant over hummus which is smooth as the chickpeas blend effortlessly.
However, both have a creaminess to them.
These textural differences add to the uniqueness of each dip, catering to different taste preferences.
Where Did Baba Ganoush Come From?
Baba Ganoush, also known as baba ghanouj (this is the way my Lebanese family says it) hails from the Levant region (Lebanon), tracing its roots back to ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq and parts of Iran, Lebanon, Kuwait, Syria, Turkey and other nearby countries).
There are a few narrations of where the name baba ganoush comes from.
The Arabic words “baba” translates to father, and “ganoush” translates to “spoilt or flirt”.
When I question the elders in my family about its origins, they reply with “It was probably because a father was spoilt with food and this eggplant dip was his favorite.
Another narration is that a Christian Priest was spoilt by his beloved followers who showered him with gifts including this eggplant dip, which, yep you guessed it, was his favorite.
The other folk tale tells of a Sultans love for the eggplant dip, so they nicknamed it after him.
Whichever story it is, it is clear to see the common denominator is that a male was involved, so there must be some truth in these stories somewhere.
If youve heard it differently, please comment below, I would love to hear it.
How to Make Hummus and Baba Ghanoush – Savvy Ep. 7
What is the difference between hummus and baba ganoush?
Baba Ganoush is generally lower in calories and carbohydrates compared to Hummus. Its primary ingredient, roasted eggplant, is low in calories but rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Hummus, on the other hand, is slightly higher in calories and carbohydrates due to its main ingredient, chickpeas.
Gumbo vs Jambalaya: Which is healthier?
Gumbo is made using roux or okra where as jambalaya is made without roux but at times cornstarch is used as thickener. In both of these rice is served. In Gumbo rice is served but the rice is cooked in a separate pot and stew is served alongside. Where as Jambalaya is cooked with two parts of liquid to one part of rice, it is cooked until the liquid cooks down. Jambalaya should turn out dry, it should not be watery or mushy. Compared to Gumbo, Jambalaya is healthy as it is low in fat. Regular consumption of Gumbo may result in overweight and life style related complications.
Should I eat hummus or baba ganoush?
If you prefer chickpeas over eggplants, then hummus it is. If eggplants taste better for you, then baba ganoush. Nonetheless, there is actually no need to choose between the two. If you don’t have a specific preference, it is okay if you choose both—both can go well with pita bread after all.
What is baba ganoush?
Generally eaten as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. Baba ganoush is a popular dip or sauce often included in different middle eastern dishes. It’s made from eggplant, tahini (sesame seed paste), lemon juice, and other ingredients. It’s a thick paste, usually, just a little grainy from the eggplant.