A Classic Persian Delight
Khoresht Gheimeh Bademjan was a very popular Persian stew made by taking the flavor of the split peas and putting it together with tender meat and eggplant. This substantial dish, often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions, is a testament to the depth and diversity of Iranian cuisine. The tangy taste of dried limes and aromatic spices make this one of the favorite dishes among Persian food lovers. Here’s how you can create this classic dish at home.
Avesta Persian Grill
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound lamb or beef, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed
- 4 small eggplants, peeled and cut into halves
- 4 dried limes (limoo amani), pierced with a fork
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-5 cups water or beef broth
- Vegetable oil for frying eggplants
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preparation of Meat and Onions
Step 1: Place 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and fry until they turn golden and translucent.Place the cubed meat in the pot, browning on all sides to seal well.
Step 2: Add the Split Peas and Spices stir in the rinsed split peas, coating them in the oil and juices of the meat. Add the turmeric, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to combine. Let it cook until the fragrance of the spices come out in a few minutes.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Dried Limes, add the tomato paste and stir to coat well the meat and peas. Poke the dried limes with a fork a few times to pierce them, then add to the pot. Pour in the water or beef broth, making sure the ingredients are submerged. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Stew the Stew bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the meat and split peas are tender. Keep stirring occasionally to avoid burning and get an even cooking.
Step 5: Prep the Eggplants while the eggplants are stewing, peel them one by one into half cuts. Sprinkle some salt over the eggplants and allow them to sit for about 15–20 minutes. This is followed by rinsing off the eggplants and subsequently drying them with paper towels. In a separate pan, heat the oil and sauté the eggplants over medium heat until golden and tender. Transfer them onto a kitchen towel to absorb the oil.
Step 6: Serve then, when the stew is cooked, carefully add the fried eggplants to the pot.Simmer the stew for another 15-20 minutes to bring the flavors together adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Serve in the dish you cooked the stew in garnish with some fresh parsley, if you like. Serve Khoresht Gheimeh Bademjan with Steamed Basmati Rice or Persian flatbread. Tips for Perfect Khoresht Gheimeh Bademjan
Eggplant Preparation:
Before frying eggplants, salting and rinsing them actually reduce the bitterness and excess moisture in them, so improving the mouthful. Dried Limes: If you cannot find dried limes, go for fresh lime juice, but the local flavor of the dried limes gives a special touch.
Thermomixing:
Through proper simmering of the ingredients, it allows for the availing of all the flavours in the stew as well as tenderizing the meat. Serving Khoresht Gheimeh Bademjan is traditionally served over saffron-steamed basmati rice to add aromatic flavor to the richness of the stew. Besides, the stew can be accompanied by Mast-o-Khiar, which is a yogurt and cucumber warm-weather salad, or a Shirazi salad, which acts as a refreshing contrast to the stew’s richness. Minced meat stew with salad and side dishes.
Khoresht Gheimeh Bademjan is a dish representative of Iran’s rich gastronomic culture: tender meat, flavorful split peas, and silky eggplant cooked together harmoniously. By following this very recipe, you could bring that tradition of Persia right onto your table and share it with family and friends. Enjoy making and adoring the warm hospitability of Persian cuisine shared with Khoresht Gheimeh Bademjan. Try this and other Persian delights for yourself, which is truly authentic, at the Best Houston Mediterranean restaurant for the Best Houston Persian food, Garson Restaurant.
For more delightful Persian Starter Recipes and culinary inspiration, visit us at GARSON Restaurant, where every dish tells a story.