Middle Eastern Inspired Layer Dip with Hummus, Muhammara, Baba Ganoush, Herbed Labneh and Shirazi Salad Recipe | The Feedfeed (2024)

A Note from Feedfeed

I'm certainly no expert on Middle Eastern cuisine; but one thing I am certain of is I can’t get enough of it. The bright, acidic and spice forward flavors filled with varying textures and colors are often just what I’m craving. Plus, I have a penchant for over ordering whenever I go out to eat (Must Try All The Things) so Mezze style eating was pretty much tailor-made for me. You get to try a little of everything; but clearing all the plates is a truly attainable goal (and one that I strive for at all times in life).

Now just looking at this recipe may have you running for the nearest Middle Eastern joint in your ‘hood, but fear not! It’s actually much easier than it looks. The keys for success here? MEP (mise en place) all of your ingredients in advance so you can quickly whiz up the different layers in the food processor; all you’ll need is a quick rinse between each batch of flavorful dip.

From Game Day to Viewing Parties to Galentine’s Celebrations; this hearty dip has all all your snacking needs covered! Don’t like your foods touching? Serve each component in separate bowls for the mezze board of your dreams! Not expecting a crowd? Just pick one or two of your favorite layers and whip that up as a stand alone dip. Serve it with easy Homemade Za’atar Pita Chips and you’ll never go back to store bought.

Recipe and Headnote Molly Adams

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  • Recipe Card

Serves or Makes: 8-10

Recipe Card

For the Baba Ghanoush

ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant, (about 2 pounds), end trimmed, halved and flesh side cross hatched
  • 1 head garlic, trimmed lengthwise, about ½ inch from the top to expose the cloves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon Simply Organic Smoked Paprika , plus more for seasoning eggplant
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
  • 2 tablespoons tahini paste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley

For the Muhammara

ingredients

  • 1 (16.2 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained
  • 1 cup walnuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon aleppo pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Simply Organic Cumin Seed Ground
  • 1 pinch Simply Organic Cayenne Pepper
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper,

For the Hummus

ingredients

  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans chickpeas, drained, ¼ cup chickpea liquid reserved
  • 3 cloves Roasted garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 juiced lemons
  • 1/4 cup tahini paste
  • 2 dashes hot sauce, of choice, optional
  • Kosher salt, to taste (add one teaspoon to start and add more as needed)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • pinch Simply Organic Smoked Paprika , plus more for garnish

For the Herbed Labneh

ingredients

  • 1 cup prepared labneh
  • 3 cloves garlic, roasted, smashed into a paste
  • 1 cup, loosely packed parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

For the Shirazi Salad:

ingredients

  • 1 medium English cucumber, halved, seeds discarded and diced
  • 2 vine ripened tomatoes, chopped (about 1 cup), then drained
  • 1/4 cup minced red onion
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped mint
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • Homemade Pita Chips, for serving, or store bought (recipe below)

To Assemble

Method

  • Step 1

    To make the Baba Ghanoush, preheat the oven to 450˚F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place eggplant and garlic on the prepared sheet pan and drizzle all over with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and season the eggplant with a touch of smoked paprika and salt and pepper to taste. Wrap the head of garlic tightly in tin foil and place it back on the sheet pan. Turn the eggplants cut side down and place the pan in the oven to roast for about 50 minutes, or until the eggplant is very soft and charred in some places.

  • Step 2

    Remove the pan from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. When cool enough to handle scrape the eggplant flesh into a fine mesh strainer and let drain for about 5 minutes; discard the skin. Once the eggplant flesh has drained, add it to the bowl of a food processor followed by 3 cloves of roasted garlic (reserve leftover garlic for the other layers of the dip), remaining olive oil and smoked paprika, lemon juice and zest, tahini, parsley and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

  • Step 3

    Process the mixture using the ‘pulse’ function until you have a coarsely chopped texture; about 8-10 pulses. Refrigerate while you make the remaining layers.

  • Step 4

    To make the Muhammara, add all of the ingredients to the bowl of a clean food processor. Process until mostly smooth, about 30 seconds. Refrigerate while you make the remaining layers.

  • Step 5

    To make the Hummus, in a high-powered blender or food processor add chickpeas and reserved ¼ cup of chickpea liquid. Add garlic, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, tahini and hot sauce (if using). Blend for about 1 minute, or until mixture begins to look smooth (for silky smooth hummus, about 2 minutes), adding water a little at a time if needed to help blend. Season to taste with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Refrigerate while you make the remaining layers.

  • Step 6

    To make the Herbed Labneh, add all the ingredients to a medium sized bowl and stir until combined. Refrigerate while you make the remaining layers.

  • Step 7

    To make the Shirazi Salad, add all ingredients to a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. Place the mixture in a fine mesh strainer for about 5 minutes to drain off some of the excess liquid.

  • Step 8

    To assemble, on a large and slightly deep platter, spread 1 ½ cups hummus (reserve any leftover for another use) into an even layer. Top with Baba Ghanoush, Muhammara, and Shirazi Salad. Dollop the Herbed Labneh on top and serve at once. Alternatively, assemble dips in various bowls as shown here.

Homemade Za’atar Pita Chips

ingredients

  • 1 (12 ounce) bag pita bread, pockets split in half and cut into 6 wedges
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon za’atar
“SIZZLE” EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Homemade Za’atar Pita Chips

  • Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 350˚F and line two rimmed baking sheets with foil or parchment paper. Divide the pita wedges among each tray, then brush each side with olive oil. Divide the za’atar among each tray, then season to taste with flaky salt.

  • Step 2

    Place in the oven and bake for 7 minutes, then flip chips over and bake for an additional 7 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Middle Eastern Inspired Layer Dip with Hummus, Muhammara, Baba Ganoush, Herbed Labneh and Shirazi Salad Recipe | The Feedfeed (2024)

FAQs

How is hummus eaten in the Middle East? ›

As an appetizer and dip, diners scoop hummus with flatbread, such as pita. It is also served as part of a meze or as an accompaniment to falafel, grilled chicken, fish, or eggplant. Hummus is a popular dip in Egypt where it is eaten with pita, and frequently flavored with cumin or other spices.

What is baba ganoush dip made of? ›

Baba ganoush is a Mediterranean eggplant dip made from roasted or grilled eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Like hummus, it's delicious with pita or fresh veggies, but its silky texture and irresistible smoky flavor set it apart. This baba ganoush recipe is a must-try summer dip!

What is hummus and baba ganoush? ›

What is the difference between hummus and baba ganoush? Both are popular delicious dips throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. But, they are two very different dips. While hummus is made of cooked chickpeas with tahini, garlic, and citrus, the star ingredient in baba ganoush is eggplant (grilled or roasted).

How was hummus traditionally made? ›

hummus, paste originating in the Middle East that is traditionally made of pureed or mashed cooked chickpeas mixed with tahini—a toasted sesame condiment—and diced garlic, lemon juice, and salt.

Is hummus Greek or Arab food? ›

Drum roll… the oldest reference to hummus bi tahina are not from Greek food history, but rather from Cairo, Egypt, in the 13th century! While this is not conclusive enough to determine a point of origin, most historians agree that hummus was likely created in the Middle East, and eventually found its way to Greece.

Why do you have to eat hummus within 3 days? ›

For starters, homemade humus will almost always spoil faster because store-bought, which is prepared in sterile and contamination-controlled environments. Homemade varieties will generally last anywhere from 3-4 days, whereas store-bought brands generally lasts 6-7 days after opening.

Which is more fattening hummus or baba ganoush? ›

Both have 0% cholesterol and are high in fiber and protein content. Nonetheless, hummus has higher calorie content than baba ganoush, and baba ganoush contains vitamins B and E, which are nonexistent in hummus.

What to pair with baba ganoush? ›

I like to serve my baba ganoush with sturdy raw veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber rounds and bell pepper sticks. Toasted pita wedges or pita chips are great, too. For a full Mediterranean spread, serve this baba ganoush with herbed hummus or tahini sauce and fresh salads.

Which is healthier hummus or baba ganoush? ›

3) Health – Both dishes are very healthy, but baba ganoush has a slight edge here with more vitamins from the eggplant and a lower calorie count. 4) Big meal to come – Get baba ganoush, it's less filling than hummus.

What does Baba mean in baba ganoush? ›

Etymology. The word bābā in Arabic means 'father' and is also a term of endearment, while ġannūj could be a personal name. The word combination is also interpreted as "father of coquetry" or "indulged/pampered/flirtatious daddy" or "spoiled old daddy".

Is baba ganoush healthy or unhealthy? ›

Baba Ganoush is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Eggplants are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while tahini adds a dose of healthy fats and protein. This makes Baba Ganoush a heart-healthy choice that supports overall well-being.

What is healthier than hummus? ›

OUR WINNER: Guacamole!

Both hummus and guacamole are good sources of dietary fibre and folate. However, we have to hand it to guacamole for its higher content of heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fats, Vitamins C and A, and potassium.

Which country makes the best hummus? ›

Israeli hummus is revered for its smooth and creamy consistency, often achieved by a generous addition of tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds. Tahini adds a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the earthy taste of chickpeas.

What can I use instead of tahini in hummus? ›

If you feel adventurous, try replacing the tahini with an equal amount of peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, Greek yogurt, chopped roasted peppers, pitted olives, roasted beets, steamed sweet potato, avocado, or thawed frozen peas, to name just a few possibilities.

How long does hummus last in the fridge? ›

As a general rule, it will last about a week in your fridge once you open it. So although you can keep hummus refrigerated for a couple months unopened, you only have seven days from opening to finish it off. (Or you can easily freeze your humus for up to 4 months if you want to store it for longer periods!)

How do Lebanese people eat hummus? ›

Then, it's served with extra virgin olive oil and traditionally eaten with Arabic bread (pita). It's a very healthy snack that you can eat as a dip or add to grain bowls, sandwiches, or salads. This hummus recipe is the classic traditional Lebanese hummus that I grew up eating.

How do Turkish people eat hummus? ›

Hummus is usually not served as a spread or as a dip for pita bread or vegetables. If you're eating hummus the traditional way, spoon it onto your plate and eat with a fork. At Akin Humus, the hummus is topped with herbs and whole chickpeas, as well as butter and garlic sauce.

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