Baba Ghannuj Recipe

Eggplant may be baked or grilled over a flame until well done -- the latter is preferable. Place eggplant in bowl and remove the skin carefully, preserving the liquid. Chop fine.
Mash garlic with salt. Add TAHINI and blend thoroughly; slowly add water, mixing well. Add lemon juice and thoroughly blend. Pour sauce over chopped eggplant. With a potato masher or mdaqqa (LARGE WOODEN MALLET) pound, mash, and blend the ingredients. Garnish edge of serving dish with parsley, placing a small mound of bab ghannouj in the center; or garnish with pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley. This may be used as an appetizer or a side dish for Lenten season.
OPTIONAL: Arabic custom is to pour a small amount of olive oil over top as well as a sprinkling of simmaq.
NOTE: For the Western palate this makes an excellent dip, especially when using small pieces of Arabic bread instead of crackers. For a dip, place all ingredients in the blender and blend together well.