Baba Ganouche is a Middle Eastern appetizer or dip made from eggplant.

I once worked for an Egyptian gentleman who professed a hatred of garlic, but loved this dish. I learned a number of Egyptian dishes to please his palate, nearly all of them loaded with garlic. He loved them all. Mashing up the garlic with a mortar helps make it creamy.

This dish is hearty and light at the same time, a perfect summer time meal. And, it’s a cinch to cook up – you’ll see!

Grill these all-in-one sandwiches outdoors on warm days or broil in the oven** when it's cold. Use 100% whole grain bread for a hearty meal.    

I was imagining possible ways to use seitan, when this combination came to me. Even my 84-year-old mother liked it. If you have any fresh shiitake mushrooms, they would go well too; slice them and add to the sauce.