"All you need to know for a healthier child...."
This is a really smoky, deep flavoured dip. It's low in calories and fat and full of fibre and minerals plus with the tahini paste adds a good kick of calcium.
Aubergines are quite hard to get in children in a healthy way as so often they are drenched in oil and fried. This is a pretty adult dish but kids do like it - especially if they have seen how you make it!
Baba Ganoush
Bring up to the boil and then simmer gently for 5-10 minutes or until the grain has puffed up and absorbed all the water and is soft when tasted. If it's still firm but dry, add a splash more water and continue to cook until done.
Ingredients
2 small or 1 large aubergine
Juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon
1-2 tbsp tahini paste
1-2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Olive oil
Method
Place your aubergines onto a naked flame and turn every so often for about 10-15 minutes until the skin starts to bubble and crack and the aubergine begins to soften.
If you feel like the aubergine has cooked through then you can stop, but if you feel like there is still a bit of give to your aubergine (it should feel soft, pappy and squidgy) you can pop it onto a roasting tray and roast for 10 minutes just to make sure it's totally cooked through.
Next take the charred skin off.
Pop into a blender and blitz with the tahini paste, garlic and some lemon juice. Adjust as you go along, adding more lemon, olive oil and seasoning until you get it to your liking.
Take off the heat and cool.
Then, simply add in all the other ingredients and mix well. Add enough olive oil to coat the grains and add flavour.
Season well and serve.
Looking for more ideas?
Have a look at more side dishes including Guacomole, Hummus and Smoked Salmon Dip/Pasta Sauce.
