خورش بادمجان Traditional Iranian lamb and eggplant stew with yellow split peas and tomatoes, is a beloved classic in Persian cuisine. Khoresh bademjan is a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The combination of savory lamb, creamy eggplant, and tangy tomatoes creates a satisfying meal that has long been a favorite among Iranians.
Khoresh Bademjan - Eggplant Stew
Ingredients
Ingredients
Serves 6
-1 pound lamb or beef, washed and cubed
-2 large eggplants, peeled, sliced, and salted (about1-2 tablespoons of salt)
-2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
-1 large onion, chopped
-2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
-4 limoo amani (dried lime)
-1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
-1/2 teaspoon turmeric
-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
-Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime, or to taste, or 1-2 tablespoons verjuice or 1 teaspoon gard-e ghooreh (unripe grapes) (ground sour grapes)
Vegetable oil
Method
- Place the salted eggplant slices in a large container of water. Weigh them down with a heavy lid or bowl to keep them submerged for 10 minutes. Drain, pat dry, and set aside.
- Heat 1/2 cup of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Gently place tomatoes in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of ice water. Once cool, peel off the skins and chop.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onions until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for about 2 minutes. Stir in turmeric, lamb cubes, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly. Cook until the meat is brown on all sides.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, and enough water to cover the ingredients by an inch. Bring back to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 40-50 minutes.
- Add fried eggplants and dried limes. Add more water if needed.
- Cover and cook for another 20 minutes or until the meat is tender.
- Add lime juice or verjuice and cinnamon, cover, and simmer for another 15 minutes on low heat, allowing all the flavors to blend..
Enjoy!