INGREDIENTS:

• 1 large eggplant
• 1/4 cup tahini, plus more as needed
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, plus more as needed
• 1 pinch ground cumin
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tbsp. chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup brine-cured black olives, such as Kalamata

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the grill and grill the eggplant for 10 to 15 minutes until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Alternatively, you can heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If using the oven, place the eggplant on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until very soft. Remove from the oven, let cool, and peel off and discard the skin. Put the eggplant flesh in a bowl.
3. Using a fork, mash the eggplant flesh to a smooth paste.
4. Add the 1/4 cup tahini, minced garlic, ground cumin, and 1/4 cup lemon juice to the mashed eggplant. Mix well to combine.
5. Season the mixture with salt to taste.
6. Transfer the eggplant mixture to a serving bowl and spread it with the back of a spoon to form a shallow well.
7. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil over the top of the eggplant mixture.
8. Sprinkle the chopped flat-leaf parsley on top of the hummus.
9. Garnish with brine-cured black olives, such as Kalamata.
10. Serve the eggplant hummus at room temperature with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or your favorite dippers.

Enjoy your delicious homemade eggplant hummus!

ALLERGIES:

SF (Shellfish-Free)

GF (Gluten-Free)

DF (Dairy-Free)

EF (Egg-Free)

NF (Nut-Free)

V (Vegetarian)

Here are some variations you can try for the eggplant hummus recipe:

1. Roasted Red Pepper Eggplant Hummus: Add roasted red peppers to the eggplant mixture for a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. You can use store-bought roasted red peppers or roast them yourself.
2. Spicy Eggplant Hummus: Add some chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the eggplant mixture for a spicy kick.
3. Herbed Eggplant Hummus: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint to add a burst of freshness and aroma to the hummus.
4. Sun-Dried Tomato Eggplant Hummus: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy and flavorful twist to the traditional hummus.
5. Greek Eggplant Hummus: Stir in some crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives to give the hummus a Mediterranean touch.
6. Smoky Eggplant Hummus: Add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to infuse a smoky flavor into the hummus.
7. Roasted Garlic Eggplant Hummus: Instead of minced garlic, use roasted garlic for a milder and slightly sweet taste.
8. Curry Eggplant Hummus: Mix in some curry powder or curry paste for an exotic and aromatic hummus variation.
9. Herb Oil Drizzle: Drizzle some herb-infused oil over the top of the hummus for an extra burst of flavor.
10. Nutty Eggplant Hummus: Add a handful of toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty taste.
11. Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Eggplant Hummus: Roast a few cloves of garlic and blend them into the hummus along with some chopped fresh rosemary for a savory and aromatic twist.
12. Lemon Zest Eggplant Hummus: Add some lemon zest to the hummus for a bright and citrusy flavor. It complements the earthy taste of the eggplant beautifully.