BABA GHANOUSH

Serves 10

¼ cup per serving

Slow cooker size/shape

3 to 4½ quart round or oval

Slow cooking time

3 to 3½ hours on low plus

3 to 3½ hours on low

§  Cooking spray

§  2 pounds eggplant (Japanese preferred), peeled, seeded if using large varieties, and cut into 1-inch cubes

§  ½ cup water

§  ¼ cup fresh min

§  2 tablespoons tahini

§  2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

§  1 medium garlic clove, chopped

§  ¼ teaspoon salt

§  ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

§  Pomegranate seeds (optional)

§  1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred) (optional)

When slow cooked, baba ghanoush (bah-bah gah-NOOSH) has a very mild flavor.  If you want a hint of the smokiness of grilled or roasted eggplant, simply add a touch of smoked paprika to this Middle Eastern favorite.  Serve it with toasted whole-grain pita wedges or crudités.

Lightly spray the slow cooker with cooking spray.  Put the eggplant and water in the slow cooker.  Cook covered, on low for 3 to 3 ½ hours.  Quickly stir once and re-cover the slow cooker.  Cook for 3 to 3 ½ hours.  Using a slotted spoon, transfer the eggplant to a food processor or blender.  Discard the cooking liquid. 

Add the mint, tahini, lime juice, garlic, paprika, and salt to the eggplant.  Process until smooth and creamy.  Transfer to a serving bowl.  Serve garnished with the pomegranate seeds and/or drizzled with the oil.  Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.

Per Serving___________________________________________

Calories                                  38                          

Cholesterol                            0 mg

Total Fat                                 1.5 g                      

Sodium                                   62 mg

Saturated Fat                        0.0 g                      
Carbohydrates                      5 g
Trans Fat                                0.0 g                                      
Fiber                                       3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat            1.0 g                                      
Sugars                                    2 g
Monounsaturated Fat         0.5 g                      
Protein                                   1 g         

Dietary Exchanges

1 vegetable, ½ fat

Per Serving (with optional ingredients)_____________________

Calories                                 50                          

Cholesterol                           0 mg

Total Fat                                3.0 g                      

Sodium                                   62 mg

Saturated Fat                        0.5 g                      

Carbohydrates                      5 g

Trans Fat                                0.0 g                                      

Fiber                                       3 g

Polyunsaturated Fat            1.0 g                                      

Sugars                                     2 g

Monounsaturated Fat         1.5 g                      

Protein                                   1 g

                                               

Dietary Exchanges

1 vegetable, ½ fat

 

American Heart Association “healthy slow cooker cookbook” (2012, 16)