A classic Lebanese dish, baba ghanoush is ideal for eggplant skeptics: Roasting the veggie mellows its natural bitterness and gives it a lush, nutty flavor.
This dip is an homage to dal, a ubiquitous dish in Indian cuisine. The recipe calls for the lentils to be cooked like rice, which keeps them from falling apart and gives the final dish some texture.
Classic guac is always a winner, but if you'd like to experiment, try mix-ins and toppings such as jalapeño, serrano peppers, charred corn, or toasted pepitas.