Mirza Ghasemi

میرزا قاسمی Mirza Ghasemi is a tasty and delicious dish from the northern region of Iran, especially popular along the Caspian Sea coast. If you enjoy eggplants and garlic, this smoky, garlicky dish will win you over at first bite. It's one of my favorites, but of course, I love any dish that features eggplants! 

 This is a vegetarian casserole made with grilled eggplants, ripe tomatoes, and plenty of garlic, seasoned with turmeric, salt, and pepper. Some cooks add onions, but the authentic version is traditionally prepared without them. Mirza Ghasemi can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course. Served with warm bread and fresh herbs. 

Mirza Ghasemi
Ingredients
Serves 4

-2 large eggplants
-3 large tomatoes, remove the skin and chop into small pieces
-7 garlic cloves, finely chopped
-3 eggs, lightly beaten
-1 teaspoon tomato paste
-1/3 cup vegetable oil
-1 teaspoon turmeric
-Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Pierce the eggplants and roast for about 40 minutes until the skin is charred and the flesh is tender. Or grill them over open flame for a smoky flavor. Set aside to cool. 
3. Peel the skin off the eggplants and mash the flesh with a fork.
4. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until lightly golden. Stir in the turmeric.  
5. Add the mashed eggplants and cook for about 15-20  minutes, stirring frequently. 
6. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens 
7. Pour the beaten eggs over the mixture, stirring continuously until they are fully incorporated. (about 3-4 minutes).
8.  Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serve with warm bread and fresh herbs.

Enjoy!

Saffron Ice Cream

This aromatic saffron and rosewater-flavored ice cream, a traditional Iranian favorite, is enriched with bits of frozen heavy cream for extra flavor and texture. Bastani Akbar Mashti is enjoyed either scooped into individual bowls or sandwiched between two thin, crispy wafers.. This بستنی - bastani recipe offers a quick and easy way to recreate the beloved classic at home.

Bastani - Persian Saffron Rosewater Ice Cream

Ingredients

-1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, slightly softened at room temperature
-1 cup heavy cream
-1/4 teaspoon crushed saffron, dissolved in 2-3 tablespoons of hot water and cooled
-2 tablespoons rosewater

Garnish

-Crushed pistachios

Method

1. Pour the heavy cream into a flat plastic container with a lid and freeze for 3-4 hours or until firm.
2. Remove the frozen cream and cut it into small pieces. 
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened vanilla ice cream, frozen cream pieces, liquid saffron, and rosewater. Mix thoroughly. 
4. Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 4-5 hours, or until set. 

To serve: Scoop into bowls, sprinkle with crushed pistachios, and enjoy

Enjoy!