Who knew?!
READ MORE…

# Baba Ganoush: A Tasty Mediterranean Dip

This vibrant and delicious baba ganoush features roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, all blended until creamy and smooth, making it an ideal dip or spread.

## What is Baba Ganoush?

Baba ganoush is a smooth Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dip or spread, akin to chickpea-based hummus. It’s commonly paired with pita bread, pita chips, crackers, chips, slices of baguette, or fresh vegetables.

### Key Characteristics of Baba Ganoush

– **Flavor**: This dip boasts a smoky, earthy taste and a light, creamy consistency, perfect for an appetizer or spread.
– **Skill Level**: This dip is simple to prepare! Just roast, blend, season, and serve.
– **Prep Note**: For ease, utilize leftover grilled or roasted eggplant.
– **Serving Suggestions**: Serve it with homemade crostini or feature it as the star of an antipasto platter.
– **Freezing**: Baba ganoush freezes well and thaws quickly, making it great for impromptu events.

## Ingredient Advice for Baba Ganoush

– **Eggplant**: Low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins, eggplant serves as the perfect base for this dish. Choose firm, blemish-free eggplants with no bruises or tears. Chinese or Japanese eggplants work best for even slices.
– **Seasonings**: The signature flavor arises from tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a dash of red pepper flakes. You can purchase or create your own tahini.
– **Variations**: In the absence of tahini, Greek yogurt, cashew, almond, or sunflower butter can be excellent substitutes. Enhance the flavor with smoked paprika, cumin, or a touch of Cajun seasoning.
– **Garnishes**: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can serve as lovely garnishes. Consider adding pomegranate seeds, pumpkin seeds, and toasted walnuts for an extra pop of color and flavor.

### Tips for Crafting Baba Ganoush

– When using fresh lemon juice, zest some peel for presentation.
– Briefly pulse the dip to prevent it from becoming overly smooth, which can create a watery consistency.
– For a chunkier bite, try mashing the eggplant by hand rather than using a blender.
– Refrigerate the baba ganoush for at least 30 minutes prior to serving to let the flavors meld.

## Dip, Store, Repeat

Store any leftover baba ganoush in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir and add a splash of fresh lemon juice to rejuvenate the flavor before serving. Portions can be frozen in zippered bags for up to one month and thawed in the refrigerator (be aware that it may have a slightly watery texture after thawing).

Present baba ganoush in the cap of a grilled portobello mushroom or as a spread on a turkey wrap for a handy lunchtime option.

## Yummy Vegetarian Dips

Baba ganoush is just one of the many tasty vegetarian dips you can savor. Discover different recipes to enhance your appetizer selection.

Did you prepare this Baba Ganoush? Share your rating and thoughts in the comments below!

This straightforward caprese pizza recipe features fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil for an authentic Italian taste. Prepared in a flash with my reliable pizza dough tips!

Who doesn’t enjoy a delightful caprese salad? I actually tried one on the island of Capri in Italy during our honeymoon, which was undoubtedly a pivotal moment in my life! This tomato and fresh mozzarella salad has become incredibly popular in the US, so I thought—why not incorporate all those scrumptious flavors onto a pizza?

After more than ten years of pizza research and recipe testing, I’ve discovered that this dough and sauce pairing is reliably amazing. It’s perfect for dinner gatherings or even casual weeknight meals, especially if you opt for a quick pita pizza or naan pizza!

Tips for flawless caprese pizza

– **Utilize a pizza stone:** I cannot emphasize enough how much a well-preheated pizza stone impacts the outcome. I preheat mine to 500°F for at least 30 minutes prior to baking. This achieves that crispy bottom crust that’s crucial for authentic pizza.

– **Enhance your sauce:** For caprese pizza, I keep my homemade pizza sauce straightforward—just quality canned tomatoes, garlic, and oregano.

– **Perfect the dough:** Whether you use my top pizza dough, thin crust pizza dough, or pizza oven dough, the secret is to allow it to rest sufficiently. That 45-minute rest period is what results in the ideal texture and makes the dough easy to stretch.

– **Topping timing:** Add the cherry tomatoes and basil post-baking. This prevents the basil from darkening and stops the tomatoes from releasing too much moisture onto the crispy crust.

Balsamic glaze topping

While a traditional Italian caprese salad consists solely of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, the American variation is frequently drizzled with a balsamic reduction glaze. I incorporated it into this caprese pizza, and it certainly elevates the dish! You can create a homemade balsamic reduction, but I prefer to buy a bottle for convenience.

Variation ideas I adore

Though classic caprese pizza is exquisite on its own, I’ve played around with several variations that my family loves:

– **Burrata caprese:** Substitute half the fresh mozzarella with torn pieces of burrata cheese for an even creamier experience! Check out my favorite burrata pizza for more.

– **Prosciutto:** For a more robust version, consider adding thin slices of prosciutto post-baking. It pairs beautifully with the balsamic reduction!

– **Arugula:** Occasionally, I toss in a handful of fresh arugula with the basil for a peppery kick that balances the richness (like in my arugula pizza).

– **Heirloom tomatoes:** You can also opt for thin slices of larger heirloom tomatoes for varied textures and flavors.

Serving suggestions to complete a meal

Caprese pizza is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but I enjoy pairing it with complementary sides that bolster the Italian theme:

– **Begin with antipasti:** Present an antipasto platter featuring marinated olives, cured meats, and cheeses.

– **Incorporate a salad:** A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil offers a pleasant peppery contrast to the rich pizza.

– **For entertaining:** Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer alongside other Italian starters like bruschetta or caprese skewers.

Storage and reheating advice

Caprese pizza is always best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

For reheating, avoid the microwave and use one of these alternatives instead:

– **Oven:** Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melty again.

– **Skillet:** Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add the pizza slice, cover, and warm for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

– **Air fryer:** Place a single slice in an air fryer and cook for a few minutes until crispy.

Dietary notes

This caprese pizza recipe is vegetarian.

Caprese Pizza

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the pizza dough:** Follow the Best Pizza Dough, Thin Crust Pizza Dough, or Pizza Oven Dough recipes to make the dough. (This takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to rest.)
2. Position a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500°F or heat your pizza oven.
3. **Prepare the pizza sauce:** Make the Homemade Pizza Sauce. (You’ll use approximately ⅓ cup for the pizza; store the remaining sauce in the fridge for up to 1 week.)
4. **Bake the pizza:** Once the oven is hot, dust a pizza peel with cornmeal or semolina flour. (If you lack a pizza peel, you can use a rimless baking sheet or the back of a rimmed baking sheet, but a pizza peel is definitely worthwhile.)

Alex & Sonja Overhiser: The Culinary Pair Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic pair who have transformed their love for cooking into a flourishing online community. As the creators of two celebrated cookbooks and the founders of the well-known website A Couple Cooks, they have been motivating home cooks since 2010 with their straightforward, seasonal recipes and contagious enthusiasm for the culinary arts.

Alex and Sonja’s adventure started with a mutual appreciation for food and an aspiration to unite people through cooking. As active parents, they recognize the difficulties of preparing nutritious meals amidst a busy lifestyle. This understanding has influenced their recipe development approach, concentrating on dishes that are not only delightful but also practical and simple to make.

The couple’s website, A Couple Cooks, is a goldmine of culinary creativity. It showcases thousands of unique recipes, each made with care and accompanied by breathtaking photography. From hearty breakfasts to sophisticated dinners, their recipes address a broad spectrum of tastes and dietary requirements, guaranteeing there’s something for everyone.

Besides recipes, Alex and Sonja provide useful cooking tips and meal planning suggestions, assisting their readers in navigating the kitchen with assurance. Their content is not only educational but also filled with a sense of joy and creativity, motivating others to appreciate cooking as a form of connection and expression.

What distinguishes Alex and Sonja is their authentic partnership. As a real-life couple who cook together, their collaboration shines through in every facet of their work. They personally test each recipe, frequently with assistance from their children, ensuring that every dish is family-approved and ready to be relished by all.

Through their cookbooks and online presence, Alex and Sonja Overhiser have nurtured a community of food lovers who share their enthusiasm for cooking. Their commitment to crafting simple, seasonal, and gratifying meals continues to inspire numerous home cooks to delve into the delights of the kitchen.

Whether you’re an experienced chef or a kitchen beginner, Alex and Sonja’s inviting style and extensive resources make A Couple Cooks a must-visit destination for culinary inspiration. Join them on their journey and experience the pleasure of cooking with Alex and Sonja Overhiser.

It’s under $25!
READ MORE…