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Home » Appetizers

Mutabal (Eggplant Dip)

Published: May 11, 2023 · Modified: Jun 12, 2023 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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A simple rustic Middle Eastern dip with a delicious smoky flavor. A perfect dip/appetizer that goes very well with veggie stick or toasted pita wedges.
Total time 40 minutes
Jump to Recipe

Mutabal or Moutabal is one of the famous Middle Eastern eggplant recipes. This unique dip is unlike Baba ghanoush nor it is like the Greek Melitzanosalata as it has its own characteristics. Here is how to make moutabal with step by step images and video.

Mutabal dip in a white square plate garnished with sumac and chopped parsley.
Authentic Mutabal eggplant dip is so easy to make.
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why You'll Love It
  • 📝 Ingredients
  • 🥄 Instructions
  • 👍 Amira's Tips
  • 🧺 Storage
  • 💬 FAQs
  • 📣 Related Recipes
  • Mutabal

❤️ Why You'll Love It

For a Mutabal recipe that will fulfill its smoky characteristic, I grilled the eggplants over open flame. You can do this on your stove top, gas or charcoal grill. If you do not have any I will give you instructions of over baked as well.

📝 Ingredients

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Mutabal ingredients place on a white marble surface.
Delicious mutabal is made with simple ingredients.

Ingredient Notes

  • When buying eggplants look for uniform medium size eggplants and avoid the large ones as they tend to be more bitter. Also choose eggplants with shiny smooth skin and avoid any with bruises.
  • Lime juice is better than vinegar for this recipe but some people use vinegar.

🥄 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

A collage of two photos showing how to roast eggplants.
  1. Cut a slit lengthwise in each eggplant to avoid bursting while eggplant is roasting.
  2. Roast in the oven , gas stove top, gas or charcoal grill until skin is wrinkled and flesh becomes mushy.
A collage of two photos showing how to scoop up eggplant flesh to make mutabal.
A collage of two images showing how to make mutabal recipe.
  1. In a deep bowl, combine all the mutabal ingredients and mix well.
  2. Add eggplant flesh and mix. Scoop in a serving plate and garnish with parsley, pine nuts and ground sumac if desired. Serve cold or at room temperature.

👍 Amira's Tips

  • Roasting eggplant over open flame is always my preferred method as it makes the dip more smoky. You can roast in the oven as well and maybe adding a little liquid smoke for the flavor.
  • I liked using whole yogurt, low fat yogurt was not as good.
  • This dip can stay in the fridge for 3-4 days as it has dairy I do not recommend leaving it longer.

🧺 Storage

Store leftover in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

A hand holding a piece of pita wedge dipped in mutabbal.

💬 FAQs

What is the difference between Baba Ganoush and Moutabal?

Although every Middle Eastern and their mother has their own recipe for both, the basics are still the same. Both are Mediterranean/Middle Eastern eggplant dip made with smoky eggplant flesh. The difference is that moutabal usually has more tahini and has yogurt which baba ganoush does not. Moutabal is usually more creamy than baba ganoush. You need to try them both so you can choose your preferred dip.

How to serve Mutabal?

I like serving it with veggie sticks like cucumber, carrots, celery and bell peppers. Goes great with pita chips, tortilla chips or toasted pita wedges. It is also a great side dish for your grilled meat and fish.

📣 Related Recipes

  • Have you tried making Baba Ghanouj at home? It is so delicious! Smoky eggplants mixed up with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Perfect as a dip or spread on sandwiches.
  • Discover the deliciousness of Melitzanosalata with this simple recipe. This Greek eggplant recipe is so addictive you'll want to spread it on everything.
  • Mediterranean Eggplant Salad makes for a delicious side dish or a meatless dinner. With its fresh veggies and tangy creamy dressing this salad is a delight to have any time of the day.
  • This lemon herb tahini is the perfect blend of tangy lemon, fresh herbs, and nutty tahini. A delicious twist to the classic tahini sauce that will add a burst of flavor to everything on the table.
Mutabal dip in a white square plate garnished with sumac and chopped parsley.

Mutabal

A simple rustic Middle Eastern dip with a delicious smoky flavor. A perfect dip/appetizer that goes very well with veggie stick or toasted pita wedges.
4.92 from 12 votes
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Syrian
Diet: Gluten Free, Halal
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 108kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 2 eggplants about 2 pounds.
  • ¼ cup tahini paste.
  • ¼ cup full fat yogurt.
  • 3 Tablespoons lime juice.
  • 3 garlic cloves.
  • ¼ teaspoon coriander.
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin.
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat.
  • Parsley pomegranate seeds or sumac for decorations.
  • Olive oil for a final drizzle.

Instructions

  • Cut a slit lengthwise in each eggplant and roast on stove, grill or in the oven.
  • Set the eggplants aside to cool down for 10 minutes.
  • Scoop the pulp out on a cutting board and chop with a sharp knife.
  • In another bowl whisk together tahini, yogurt, lime juice, garlic, cumin, coriander and cayenne pepper is using.
  • Add the chopped eggplant and mix well to combine.
  • Scoop the dip in a serving platter, drizzle with oil and garnish with parsley, sumac or pomegranate.
  • Serve with pita wedges or veggies.

Video

Notes

  • I like roasting the eggplants on open flame over my stove. You can also use your outdoor grill or in a 450F oven. It will take probably between 30 to 40 minutes.
  • You can use your blender or food processor to make the dip smoother. Chopping with a knife is the authentic way.
  • I liked using whole yogurt, low fat yogurt was not as good.
  • This dip can stay in the fridge for 3-4 days as it has dairy I do not recommend leaving it longer.
  • I like serving it with veggie sticks like cucumber, carrots, celery and bell peppers. Goes great with pita chips, tortilla chips or toasted pita wedges. It is also a great side dish for your grilled meat and fish.

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 426mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 80IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg
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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sara

    January 12, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    5 stars
    Hey Amira, I made this recipe for New Year’s Eve ( minus the tahini as my sin has a serious sesame allergy) and it was fabulous! Absolutely fabulous. Thank you for sharing such a great recipe.

    Reply
  2. Tala Habib

    January 03, 2021 at 8:13 pm

    5 stars
    Exactly like what my mom used to make it, this came out so delicious.

    Reply
    • Amira

      January 05, 2021 at 8:57 am

      Thank Tala for your feedback, I appreciate it. Happy that you liked the recipe.

      Reply
  3. Aby M

    December 30, 2020 at 11:27 am

    5 stars
    Such a wonderful flavor and a change from baba ganoush. We enjoyed it to the max. Big fan here.

    Reply
    • Amira

      December 30, 2020 at 2:50 pm

      Thank you Aby, so glad you liked it.

      Reply
  4. Lucy

    December 26, 2020 at 9:04 pm

    Recetas estupendas !!!
    Felicitaciones !!
    From Colombia !!

    Reply
    • Amira

      December 28, 2020 at 9:54 am

      Muchas gracias. Eres muy amable. I hope I said that right :)).

      Reply
  5. Anna Likousis

    December 26, 2020 at 7:32 pm

    Thank you very much. Your recipes are amazing. I enjoy them.

    Reply
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I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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