Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) Puncture the eggplant a few times with your fork.

Turn on the burner nearest to you on the stove to a medium high heat. Grill the eggplant directly on the burner on all sides for about 10 minutes. The eggplant should be charred on all sides and slightly soft.

Transfer eggplant on a greased baking sheet with 3 of the 4 whole unpeeled garlics. Bake in oven for about 25- 30 minutes depending on the size of your eggplant. Our eggplant was about 2 and ¼ pounds.

Remove your eggplant and garlic from the oven. Cover your eggplant with aluminum foil or a tea towel to allow the skin to soften so that it can be easily removed and cool down a little so that you can touch it. – 10 minutes.

Peel the skin off the eggplant. Squeeze immediately with a little of the lemon to prevent oxidation and coloring of the eggplant. In a food processor, place the peeled eggplant, squeeze the soft garlic from the 3 roasted garlics, add one fresh chopped garlic, lemon juice, salt to taste, cumin and blend until well mixed and smooth.

Place your blended baba ghanoush in a bowl and spread and make a little well with the back of your spoon. Drizzle olive oil on top, fresh cilantro and sumac if desired.

Enjoy your traditional baba ghanoush with pita breads, fresh vegetables or anything your little heart desires.