01
Too much tahini
It masks the smoke.
متبّل
The blog · Lebanese cuisine
Baba ghanoush or moutabal? The guide to Lebanese smoked aubergine dip
Lebanon, a bridge between East and West: an aubergine charred over the flame, tahini, lemon.
In short: Baba ghanoush is aubergine grilled until the skin blackens, then mashed with tahini, lemon, garlic and olive oil. In Lebanon this tahini version is usually called moutabal, and both names describe the same dish in practice. Its secret is the smoke. It is fully plant-based and served cool with Lebanese bread.
Every dish has a story
Smoked aubergine dip, a mezze table essential
On a Lebanese table there is always a sand-coloured bowl with a well of olive oil, smelling of embers.
This guide untangles the names, explains tahini, and shows why smoke makes all the difference.
“An aubergine that never met the flame makes a purée. One charred over the fire makes moutabal.”
Chapter I · Definition
What is baba ghanoush?
Grilled aubergine, mashed and bound with tahini
The whole aubergine is grilled until black, then its flesh is mashed with tahini, lemon, garlic and olive oil.
The texture is creamy yet slightly fibrous, and smoke is the dominant note.
Spellings
Baba ghanoush, baba ganoush and baba ghanouj are spellings of the same dish.
In Lebanon it is mostly called moutabal, the name on our menu.
Chapter II · Names
Baba ghanoush and moutabal: the same thing?
Usage in Lebanon
In Lebanese restaurants, moutabal is the tahini version, served when guests ask for baba ghanoush.
The amount of tahini varies from kitchen to kitchen.
Eastern Mediterranean variations
In some regions the name refers to a grilled aubergine salad with vegetables and no tahini.
The history of the names is hard to pin down; what matters is on the plate.
Reference
Comparison table
The two families at a glance.
Either way, smoke is the backbone of the dish.
Chapter III · Fire
The smoky secret: grilling the aubergine
Open flame, oven or barbecue
The open flame is the reference: turn the aubergine until the skin is fully charred.
Charcoal gives similar results; the oven gives a milder, less smoky dip.
Choosing and draining
Pick firm, glossy, heavy aubergines.
Drain the flesh for twenty minutes to avoid a watery dip.
Chapter IV · Recipe
Homemade Lebanese moutabal (serves 4)
Ingredients
- 2 large aubergines
- 3 tbsp tahini
- Juice of a lemon, a garlic clove, olive oil, salt
Steps
- Grill the aubergines over the flame.
- Drain the flesh and mash with a fork.
- Add tahini, lemon and garlic, then season.
Serving
Make a well of olive oil in the centre and garnish with pomegranate or parsley and paprika.
Common mistakes
02
Overpowering raw garlic
Garlic should stay a hint.
03
Blending instead of mashing
It loses its texture.
Chapter V · At the table
How to eat it the Lebanese way
With Lebanese bread, at the centre of the table
Scoop it up with Lebanese bread at the start of the meal and share.
Its natural partner is hummus; read our guide what is hummus, and add tabbouleh with our Lebanese tabbouleh recipe.
A plant-based mezze
Moutabal is naturally vegetarian and vegan.
The bread, however, contains gluten. Read also what is Lebanese mezze.
Chapter VI · In Lyon
Where to taste moutabal in Lyon
At Layali Beyrouth, 38 rue du Dauphiné (Lyon 3), moutabal is plated to order: dine in, takeaway or delivery.
It is among our cold mezze in Lyon 3, alongside our hummus. Order takeaway, or for buffets see our catering.
Taste our moutabal plated to order, book your table or order takeaway.
FAQ
Your questions about baba ghanoush
What is the difference between baba ghanoush and moutabal?
In Lebanon both names describe the same tahini dish; elsewhere baba ghanoush may mean a salad without tahini.
How long does baba ghanoush keep?
Two to three days in the fridge, covered with olive oil.
Is it eaten hot or cold?
It is served cool or at room temperature.
Is baba ghanoush vegan?
Yes, it contains no animal products.
How do you pronounce it?
“Ba-ba gha-noosh” and “moo-ta-bal”.
Further reading
Keep exploring Lebanese mezze.
Find moutabal and the whole family of mezzés froids Lyon on our menu.
Visiting Layali Beyrouth
Three ways
to spend a good evening.
Book a table
Online booking, from lunch to dinner. Groups up to 30 people on request, with an adapted menu.
Delivery & Click and Collect
Order online for delivery or pick up your meal at the time that suits you.
Find us
38 rue du Dauphiné, 69003 Lyon
Mon, Sat · 12-2 PM / 7-11 PM
Free street parking
Mercière car park, 5 min walk
Time to sit down
Know what you're ordering?
Book a table
Online booking, from lunch to dinner. Groups up to 30 people on request, with an adapted menu.