Authentic Mutabal (Moutabal) recipe - made at home! The secret to its incredible smoky flavor lies in grilling the eggplants until they char and smoke.
Cook the eggplant over a medium open flame until soft and easily pierced with a skewer or knife, about 4-5 minutes per side. (For a roasted option, see the recipe notes.)
Let the eggplant cool completely, or cover it for 20-30 minutes. Then peel off the charred skin, which should slide off easily. For any stubborn bits, gently wipe with tissue paper. Avoid washing the eggplant under water.
Mash the eggplant flesh in a bowl using a fork. You can also use a blender or food processor.
Add salt, garlic, tahini, and lemon juice, and mix well. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary.
Top the eggplant mixture with olive oil and sprinkle with parsley and pomegranate seeds. Enjoy it along with Lebanese Pita bread!
Video
Notes
If you can't use an open flame, then this recipe can be adapted to a roasted eggplant dip. Use a knife or fork to pierce the skin of the eggplant in a few places and bake it in the oven for about 30 minutes at 400ºF/200ºC. To get the smoky flavor, finish it off by grilling/broiling the eggplant for a further 5-10 minutes until the skin is charred.Mutabal can be prepared in two ways: mashed by hand or in a blender/food processor. I always prepare it by hand for a slightly chunkier texture. However, for a smooth hummus-like texture, feel free to blend it all up in a blender.To store: This Moutabal can be served at room temperature or chilled. It can be kept fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days or frozen for up to a month.