The Best Baba Ganoush: Smoky, Creamy & Easy to Make

Ingredients

• 4 pounds eggplant ((about 5 medium Italian))
• ¼ cup lemon juice ((from 2 lemons))
• 2 cloves garlic, (minced (see note))
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons tahini paste
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika, (plus more for serving)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, (plus more for serving)
• Chopped fresh Italian parsley, (for serving)
• Toasted pita bread, (pita chips and/or crudités, for serving)