Description
This Khoresh Bademjan is a traditional Persian eggplant stew, featuring tender eggplant simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce with pomegranate molasses and saffron. Serve it over fluffy rice for a comforting homemade recipe packed with authentic Middle Eastern flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 lbs eggplant, peeled and cubed (See Note 1)
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 large white onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 28 oz whole peeled tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses (See Note 2)
- 1/4 tsp saffron
- 3 dried limes or 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
-
Prepare the Eggplant:
- Place cubed eggplant in a colander over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp kosher salt and let it drain for 15 minutes.
- Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
-
Cook the Base:
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until golden and translucent, about 7 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, garlic, turmeric, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Cook for 2 more minutes.
-
Cook the Eggplant:
- Add the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and the eggplant to the pot.
- Cook, stirring often, until the eggplant is tender and browned on the edges, about 15 minutes.
-
Simmer the Stew:
- Add the tomatoes and pomegranate molasses to the pot.
- Crush the saffron with your fingers and sprinkle it in.
- Pierce the dried limes with a fork and add them to the stew (or stir in lime juice).
- Bring the stew to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm over basmati rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Eggplant Varieties: Use Chinese or Italian eggplant for best results, as they have fewer seeds and a firmer texture.
- Pomegranate Molasses Substitutes: If unavailable, use a mix of cranberry juice + grenadine or raspberry jam + lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg