Description
This pasta dish is a delightful fusion, bringing together the smoky, rich flavors of baba ganoush with the comforting embrace of creamy pasta. It’s a surprisingly quick and easy weeknight meal that feels elegant enough for company, offering a vegetarian and vegan friendly option that’s bursting with Mediterranean-inspired goodness.
Ingredients
sauce
2 medium or 4 tiny eggplants – stems removed and cut in half
2 cloves garlic
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup tahini
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
pinch black pepper
juice from 1 lemon
1/4–1/3 cup reserved pasta water adjust to your thickness preference
other ingredients
2–3 servings cooked pasta of choice
1/2 cup crumbled vegan or regular feta optional
2–3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the eggplant halves cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the eggplants are browned and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Scoop the flesh from the cooked eggplants into a blender. Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, olive oil, tahini, salt, lemon juice, and black pepper to the blender.
5. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
6. Add the reserved pasta water gradually, blending until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
7. Gently combine the baba ganoush sauce with your cooked pasta.
8. Serve the pasta topped with crumbled feta and chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
Make sure your eggplant is cooked until very soft before blending for the smoothest baba ganoush.
Don’t overcrowd the cherry tomatoes on the baking sheet; giving them space allows them to roast rather than steam, concentrating their sweetness.
When sautéing the garlic, keep the heat moderate and stir constantly to prevent it from turning bitter.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. You might want a little more lemon juice, salt, or pepper depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Cuisine: Mediterranean