Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant cut in half
• 3 cloves garlic minced
  Garlic and other members of the onion family are loaded with sulfur compounds that significantly drive down inflammation and reduce pain by inhibiting the enzymes directly responsible for joint inflammation. Sulfur is a critical component of both healthy cartilage and healthy joints, yet when analyzing the amount of sulfur in the fingernails of arthritis patients, researchers found that they have far less of this important mineral than people who didn’t have arthritis.
• 1 tablespoon onion(s) minced
  Arthritis inflammation is caused by and creates free radical molecules that damage tissue. Research published in Nutrition & Food Science in 2007 shows that onion's antioxidants such as vitamin C prevent the formation of pro-inflammatory free radicals, thus minimizing joint damage and pain. One large onion has about 20% of your minimum daily requirement of vitamin C and 10% of another antioxidant folate.
• 1 tablespoon Tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
  Research shows 50 milliliters of olive oil (about 3 1/2 tablespoons) produce the same pain-relieving effect in your joints as a 200-mg tablet of ibuprofen. But don’t overdo it. Studies show that consuming no more than two tablespoons at a time produces optimal health benefit.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Place the eggplant, cut side down, on a baking sheet and roast for 25-35 minutes or until completely soft.

With a large spoon scrape the insides out of the eggplant, discarding the skin.

Place all ingredients in a bender or food processor and mix.  Baba Ganoush can be as chunky or as smooth as you prefer.

TIPS AND NOTES:

Traditional cultures drizzle baba ganoush with additional extra virgin olive oil, or garnish it with pomegranate seeds, fresh mint and minced pistachios.  If the nightshade family irritates your arthritis, substitute a 15 oz. can of garbanzo beans for the eggplant to create a delicious hummus.

Add a few tablespoons of water if you like your spread extra smooth.

We highly recommend olive oil from The Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club.