With these baba ganoush side options, you can create the ideal meze plate. With these fast and simple meals, you can bring out the traditional eggplant dips’ smokey tastes.

One of the greatest foods on any Middle Eastern or Mediterranean meze plate is freshly produced handmade baba ganoush. It gives great smokey overtones to everything it’s paired with since it’s made from roasted eggplant and tahini.

Here’s what to serve with baba ganoush, whether you’re preparing a large meze feast or a fast starter.

Falafel

Falafel is a fried ball of chickpeas and seasonings that is a mainstay of many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean meze dishes. If you want to keep your dinner conventional, falafel goes well with baba ganoush.

Most stores sell ready-made falafel, but it’s very simple to prepare your own. In a food processor, combine dry chickpeas, onion, herbs, and spices; shape into balls and fry.

Grilled Pita Bread

Without grilled pita bread, no traditional meze spread is complete. Pita bread is a leavened flatbread that is popular in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Tear pita into strips to dip into the baba ganoush, or form a wrap with the dip as a spread and fill with your favorite falafel and veggies.

You may purchase store-bought pita bread or make your own at home using flour, olive oil, and yeast. To enhance flavor, char the bread over a grill or stovetop.

Dolma

Dolma is a famous filled dish in the Balkans and the Middle East. There are many different types of dolma, but the most typical are grape leaves packed with rice, meat, or vegetables. Dolmas, like baba ganoush, are typically served as appetizers.

There are several specialized stores that offer ready-made dolma, but you may also make your own. Make the filling ahead of time, then fold preserved grape or cabbage leaves into little pockets.

Hummus

Hummus is a wonderful chickpea dip that is one of the most popular Middle Eastern cuisines. Hummus, baba ganoush, and pita bread are all delicious as snacks or appetizers. The opposing tastes of baba ganoush and hummus compliment each other, and you and your family will be able to try several dips.

Although you can purchase hummus at the shop, it is simple to create your own. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and herbs until smooth.

Kibbeh

Kibbeh is a classic Middle Eastern meal comprised of fried balls of minced beef, bulgur wheat, and onions. Because it is so full, kibbeh may be served as part of a meze platter or as a dinner on its own. The richness of the beef complements the fresh taste of the baba ganoush.

You may create your own kibbeh by blending ground meat of your choosing with grains, chopped onions, and seasonings like sumac. Form the mixture into egg-shaped balls and cook until golden brown.

Kofta

Kofta (or kfte) is a sort of Middle Eastern meatball. When it comes to presenting food for finicky eaters while staying true to tradition, kofta is a safe bet.

The first item required to prepare kofta is minced meat of your choosing. The herbs and spices in the meat combination distinguish kofta from other meatballs. After seasoning, shape the meat into balls or tiny sausages and fried it.

Grilled Flatbread

Grilled bread is the ideal companion to a dip like baba ganoush. While pita bread is generally used in a meze plate, you may use any flatbread of your choosing to scoop up the dip or make wraps. Grilling the flatbread provides another layer of flavor.

Tabbouleh

If you want to adhere to a traditional complement to baba ganoush, tabbouleh is the way to go. Tabbouleh is a classic herb-based salad that is a popular Middle Eastern appetizer. Herb tastes complement the creamy and silky textures of baba ganoush.

Begin by carefully cutting a huge quantity of parsley to create your own tabbouleh. Then stir in bulgur wheat, additional herbs and spices like mint, and vegetables like tomatoes. You may keep to tradition or change the tastes to your liking.

Roasted Peppers

Roasted peppers are a frequent addition to many meze plates. You may eat them whole as a veggie side dish or mash them up to make a dip. If you want to offer roasted peppers as a dip, construct a dip tray with baba ganoush and hummus.

Many retailers carry roasted red pepper spread or jarred roasted peppers. You may also create your own by baking peppers until soft and then mashing them with herbs, olive oil, and feta.

Kebabs

Kebabs are maybe the most popular culinary export from the Middle East. This roasted beef meal, often served on a stick, is popular all around the globe. Make kebabs to add a filling element to your Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine. Because the cold vegetable balances out the powerful meat tastes, baba ganoush goes nicely with this meat meal.

Begin with cubed marinated meat of your choosing to prepare kebabs. Grill the meat on a skewer with your choice of veggies, such as onions and peppers. Kebabs may be served on their sticks or in a flatbread.

Feta Cheese

Feta is a brined, salty cheese that is popular throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It is distinguished by its unusual cube form and crumbly texture. It is a common ingredient in meze platters and many Mediterranean meals.

Feta and baba ganoush go well together because the saltiness cuts through the richness of the dip. You may incorporate feta into baba ganoush or use the eggplant dip, cheese, veggies, and even falafel to construct a wrap.