Khoreshtebademjaneggplantstew Food

KHORESHT-E BADEMJAN (EGGPLANT STEW)

Steps:

• First peel your eggplant and slice it into large but not to thick of pieces. Fill a large bowl with water and about 1/4 a cup of salt. Next add your eggplant in the bowl and place something heavy over the bowl to keep your eggplant submerged under. This will help take the bitter taste out of it before you fry it. Let sit for about 20 mins then rinse off your pieces.
• Chop onion into small pieces and fry your onion in olive oil on medium until it becomes soft and translucent. Add your meat with the onion and fry on medium, just browning it.
• Once you've browned your meat add your tumeric, garlic, cinnamon,lemon juice, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and yellow split peas. Add about 2 or 3 cups of water and stir well. Your water will evaporate some so just keep checking to see if its looking low.
• Bring your pot to a boil and once its boiling reduce heat to a medium low. I usually let it cook for a few hours on a low heat and I know when it's done because the meat is tender and just breaks apart with your fork. Ill say to let it cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours on low. Just use your judgement.
• In a frying pan add a little olive oil, enough to coat the pan. Take out your eggplant and rinse the salt off, we will re-salt it while its frying.
• Over a medium- high heat fry your eggplant pieces and salt them and pepper them if you like. Once they're finished frying and are soft, place them on a paper towel so you drain some of that olive oil from them. Then place them in the pot with your khoresht.
• Slice your tomatoes in half and place them in your stew, let the tomatoes and eggplant cook an extra 20 mins once you put them in the stew so the flavors can soak inches.
• Once finished, pour your yummy khoresht e bademjan over some steamed basmati rice and serve!

TRADITIONAL PERSIAN KHORESHT BADEMJAN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare all ingredients ahead of time.
• Peel eggplants and slice lengthwise 1/2-inch thick. Place eggplant in a colander and sprinkle both sides with salt to remove the bitter taste. Set aside for 20 minutes.
• Heat a non-stick skillet on high for 1 minute. Add 3 tablespoons oil and heat for 30 seconds. Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and garlic, sautéing for 3 minutes before adding chicken. Sauté 5 minutes or until chicken is lightly browned on both sides.
• Sprinkle turmeric, saffron water, salt, and pepper over chicken. Stir to combine and sauté for 1 minute.
• Add 1 cup warm water, tomato sauce, lime juice, and dried lemon powder. Stir, cover, and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
• In a small bowl, beat egg whites until fluffy. Set aside.
• Rinse eggplant slices and pat dry. Heat a large skillet over high heat for 1 minute. Add 3 tablespoons oil, reduce heat to medium and heat oil for 30 seconds.
• In batches, brush eggplant with egg whites on both sides. Gently lay eggplant in the oil in a single layer. Brown eggplant on both sides until lightly golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside on paper towel. Add more oil as needed.
• Heat a medium sauté pan over high heat for 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons oil, heating for 30 seconds. Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Transfer chicken and sauce to an ovenproof casserole. Arrange eggplant, onions and grape tomatoes on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
• Serve over saffron basmati rice.

KHORESH BADEMJAN (PERSIAN EGGPLANT SAUCE)

Steps:

• Cut eggplant into quarters and then diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. Sprinkle liberally with salt, set in colander in sink.
• Set aside 1 tablespoon onion for garnish.
• In a large skillet, cook onion in olive oil until golden brown. Add meat and brown. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg and enough water to cover. Let simmer until meat is tender.
• Meanwhile, rinse eggplant and dry with paper towels. Brown slices on each side in a hot skillet sprayed with olive oil spray or a dab of oil. Lay over meat. and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer until eggplant and tomato are tender, about 10 minutes.
• While meat is continuing to cook, place remaining onion in a small pan with a little olive oil and cook until soft. Add minced garlic and mint and cook 1 minute.
• Turn meat mixture into a serving dish and top with onion mixture.
• Serve with steamed rice.