Hudhud Ghanoush (Turnip Spread)

Ingredients :

6 large turnips, trimmed
½ cup plain yogurt
1/3 cup tahini (raw or roasted)
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon date syrup (see Note)
Salt and pepper
Toasted pita
Celery sticks (optional)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Place the turnips on a cookie sheet and bake for 30 to 45 minutes until very soft. Cool. When cool enough to handle, peel.

Blend the turnips with the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor or blender until smooth. Stir in the date syrup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with pita bread and celery sticks, if desired.

Serves 6.

Note: Date syrup can be found in most Middle Eastern markets. To make a homemade version, boil 1 cup pitted dates in 1 cup water for about 5 minutes, then purée the mixture in a food processor.