Sour Plum Molasses Recipes

SOUR PLUM MOLASSES

Steps:

• Wash and dry the plums, then add the whole plums to a medium nonstick pot. Add 1 cup water, then cover with a lid. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat so the pot is barely at a simmer. Cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. You should end up with a pot full of juice and soft fruit.
• Strain the plums and juice through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium bowl. Use a rubber spatula to press as much fruit through the strainer as possible, then discard remaining skins and pits. (You should have about 3 1/4 cups pulpy plum mixture.) Rinse out and dry the pot.
• Put the pulpy plum mixture back into the clean pot and bring to a simmer over high heat while stirring and scraping the sides of the pot. Lower heat so the pot is barely bubbling. Continue to cook, uncovered, for about 1 3/4 hours, stirring occasionally, scraping down the sides of the pot and adjusting the heat as necessary to keep it barely bubbling. As the molasses thickens in the last 20 minutes, stir and scrape down the pot more frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking and burning. Depending on the size of your pot, you may not need the full amount of time; watch closely toward the end.
• Stir in the salt, then cook for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently. The finished molasses will be sour, with a deep, caramelized plum flavor, and spreadable, holding its shape on a spoon. Remove from heat and ladle into a warm, dry lidded jar that has been sanitized in boiling water. Seal it while still warm, then let the jar come to room temperature before refrigerating. Store in the fridge for up to 1 year.

BADEMJAN KEBAB

Steps:

• Make the bieh: In a food processor, pulse the walnuts and hazelnuts until very finely ground, then set nuts aside in a small bowl. Add the cilantro, parsley, chives, mint, sorrel, onion and garlic to the food processor, and purée into a fine paste. (You should have about 1 1/4 cups herb paste.)
• In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat up the neutral oil over high until shimmering, then lower heat to medium and add the herb paste and ground nuts. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to evaporate the water from the mixture. Stir in the turmeric, paprika, hogweed (if using), 2 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Stir in the sour plum molasses and pomegranate molasses, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture is dry and looks like it might stick or burn, add a few tablespoons of water at a time to help (up to 1/2 cup total).
• Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Lower stove heat to medium-low and keep cooking the bieh, stirring occasionally, for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. The bieh is done when it's a very thick, dark paste. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Place bieh in a bowl and set aside. (You should have 2 1/2 packed cups.)
• Prepare the eggplant: Slice all the eggplant in half lengthwise and divide among two sheet pans. Drizzle each with olive oil and toss to coat, then arrange cut-side up. Sprinkle with sumac and season with salt and pepper. Roast 20 minutes, until eggplant is halfway cooked but still holding its shape.
• Remove eggplant from the oven and spoon 3 to 4 tablespoons of bieh on top of each eggplant half, spreading it evenly; you should use up all the bieh. Roast for another 12 minutes, or until the eggplant is completely tender but still holding its shape.
• Garnish the eggplant with more chopped herbs, barberries, sprouts or pomegranate seeds. If eating as a main, serve with plain or turmeric basmati rice.