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Home » For The Plant Based / Vegan Kitchen

Baba Ganoush vs Hummus What’s The Difference

Published: Aug 2, 2023 · Modified: Nov 11, 2024 by Janelle Hama *This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure

In the realm of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, two iconic dips have gained worldwide popularity and recognition, Baba Ganoush and Hummus.

While both dips share similar ingredients they are separated by the distinct flavors.

As a Lebanese foodie who grew up on both these dips, I’ll dive into the key differences between Baba Ganoush and Hummus in this article.

a white plate with baba ganoush and hummus in it
Hummus and baba ganoush are similar but not the same

Origins and History

Where Did Baba Ganoush Come From?

Baba Ganoush, also known as baba ghanouj (this is the way my Lebanese family says it) hails from the Levant region (Lebanon), tracing its roots back to ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq and parts of Iran, Lebanon, Kuwait, Syria, Turkey and other nearby countries). 

There are a few narrations of where the name baba ganoush comes from.

The Arabic words “baba” translates to father, and “ganoush” translates to “spoilt or flirt”. 

When I question the elders in my family about its origins, they reply with “It was probably because a father was spoilt with food and this eggplant dip was his favorite".

Another narration is that a Christian Priest was spoilt by his beloved followers who showered him with gifts including this eggplant dip, which, yep you guessed it, was his favorite.

The other folk tale tells of a Sultan's love for the eggplant dip, so they nicknamed it after him. 

Whichever story it is, it is clear to see the common denominator is that a male was involved, so there must be some truth in these stories somewhere.

If you've heard it differently, please comment below, I would love to hear it.

a celery stick with baba ganoush on it

Where Did Hummus Come From?

Hummus, on the other hand, finds its origins in Egypt, with evidence of its existence dating back to the 13th century .

The Arabic word “Hummus” is the literal translation for chickpeas.

No folk story here.

a celery stick with hummus on it

Ingredients Difference Between Baba Ganoush and Hummus 

IngredientHummusBaba Ganoush
Main FlavorChickpeasEggplant (either smokey or nonsmokey)
Lemon juiceYesYes
TahiniYesYes
GarlicOptionalOptional
Olive oilFor toppingFor topping
Water/iceFor adjusting the consistency, if neededNo
SaltYesYes
YogurtNeverOptional

Flavor Profiles

As noted in the above ingredients comparison table between the two dips, the main flavors are contrastingly different being eggplant vs chickpeas. 

Baba Ganoush entices with its rich and smoky essence from the eggplants, complemented by the creaminess of tahini and the tang of lemon juice. Sometimes it include yogurt, which can make babaganoush not vegan.

Hummus, on the other hand, boasts a creamy and nutty profile, with the earthiness of chickpeas beautifully balanced by the nuttiness of tahini and the brightness of lemon juice. Generally, homemade hummus is vegan.

Some recipes may call for additional flavorings.

Texture Profiles

Baba Ganoush tends to be a little more textured with small chunks of eggplant over hummus which is smooth as the chickpeas blend effortlessly.

However, both have a creaminess to them.

These textural differences add to the uniqueness of each dip, catering to different taste preferences.

a white plate with baba ganoush and hummus smeared onto it

Baba Ganoush vs Hummus Nutrition

Whilst comparing the two dips like for like will depend on the exact ingredients used for each dip, generally speaking, both dips offer good amounts of nutritional value.

Baba Ganoush is generally lower in calories and carbohydrates compared to Hummus. Its primary ingredient is roasted eggplant.

Hummus, on the other hand, is slightly higher in calories and carbohydrates due to its main ingredient, chickpeas.

Additionally, the tahini, olive oil, and garlic used in the preparation of hummus and baba ganoush contribute essential nourishment. However, the caloric content can vary based on the amount of oil and tahini used in the recipe.

Preparation Methods of Baba Ganoush and Hummus

Upon cooking the chickpeas for Hummus and the eggplants for Baba Ganoush, the preparation methods for both dips involve blending (modern times use food processors) or mashing (our ancestors used a mortar and pestle) the ingredients together, with slight variations across different recipes and regions.

Authentic Recipes

As mentioned earlier, having grown up on hummus and baba ganoush, I can’t say I have a preference for one over the other, it usually depends on my mood as well as the foods I am eating.

I love both dips, so below use my Lebanese family’s authentic dip recipe to create different flavor variations.

I've noted what to serve with hummus in this linked article.

Hummus Made By Hand
My family's easy Lebanese hummus recipe made with a mortar and pestle.
Hummus Made By Hand
a plate of mortar and pestle hummus

Beetroot Hummus
Using my authentic hummus recipe with added beets resulting in a fun and vibrant hot pink dip with a slightly sweet and earthy taste.
Hummus with Beets
a white bowl with pink beetroot hummus in it

Basil Hummus
The base is the classic hummus, but blended through it is fresh basil, making it vry fragrant and fresh.
Basil Hummus
a male hand dipping in a pita chip into basil hummus

Zesty Hummus
This bright and zesty flavored hummus features lemon zest.
Lemony Hummus
a plate of lemon hummus wth black seeds surrounded by lemons

Creamy Cilantro Lime Hummus
Cilantro lime hummus is quick, creamy and easy to whip up. It's the perfect dip as a snack, appetizer or for parties.
Hummus with Lime and Cilantro
two hands holding a bowl of cilantro lime hummus

Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus
Jalapeño cilantro hummus is a flavor-packed dip that’s impossible to resist. With its zesty cilantro and the perfect kick of jalapeño heat, it’s the kind of deliciousness that keeps you coming back for more. Honestly, it's so tasty!
Homemade Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus
a bowl of jalapeno cilantro hummus

Authentic Moutabal
This is a rendition of the Middle Eastern eggplant dip that is similar to baba ganoush.
Eggplant Moutabal
a white plate filled with eggplant dip garnished with mint

It’s easy to make comparisons between the Baba Ganoush versus Hummus, due to the similarity in the ingredients and the method of preparation, however the flavors are vastly different.

These Mediterranean/Middle Eastern dips encapsulate the essence of a rich culinary heritage and offer tantalizing flavors. Whether you find yourself wanting to jazz up a sandwich, or wanting to tuck into these dips with other foods, you will surely be delighted by what each has to offer.

two dips one baba ganoush and the other hummus in a white plate

Do you have anything you'd like to add? I'd love to know! Leave a comment tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.

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A culinary enthusiast with a keen interest in creating delicious vegan Lebanese recipes.

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