Borani E Bademjan Recipes

BORANI-E BADEMJAN

Steps:

• Broil or roast and peel the eggplants (see page 63).
• Chop the flesh with a pointed knife in a colander to let the juices escape, then mash them with a fork or a spoon. Pour into a bowl and beat in the olive oil and the yogurt and mix vigorously until it is thoroughly blended with the eggplant puree. Mix in the garlic and salt, spoon into a serving bowl, and garnish, if you like, with chopped parsley. Serve cold.
• Instead of yogurt, add 2/3 cup fresh thick cream or sour cream and omit the oil.
• Add 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint or 1 tablespoon dried.
• Garnish with 1/4 teaspoon crushed saffron threads mixed with 2 tablespoons boiling water, then with 2 tablespoons of yogurt. Dribble this on top.

BORANIE BADEMJAN (PERSIAN EGGPLANT YOGURT DIP)

Steps:

• Rinse, prick the eggplants and roast in a 350F oven, turning frequently, for about 40 minutes, or until soft.
• Remove, place on a cutting board and let stand until cool enough to handle; peel the skin and chop the flesh.
• Transfer the flesh to a mixing bowl, add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly, seasoning to taste.
• In the serving dish, garnish with saffron water, yogurt and mint leaves and serve hot or cold with pita.
• Can be made in advance and stored in refrigerator.