Borani Bademjan Fried Eggplant Yogurt Dip Recipes

CREAMY EGGPLANT & CARAMELIZED ONION DIP (KASHKE BADEMJAN)

Steps:

• Sprinkle your eggplant with salt on both sides and place in a colander in the sink to drain excess water. After 10 minutes, lightly rinse with water and then press dry between two towels.
• Preheat oven to high broil (or medium if you have the option) and position a rack at the top of the oven.
• Arrange eggplant rounds on a baking sheet drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Roast for 5-7 minutes, turning once or twice until eggplant is softened and golden brown. Remove from pan and let cool to the touch.
• While eggplant is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2-3 Tbsp olive oil. Add onion and stir often until caramelized - turn heat to low if browning too quickly. Add minced garlic in the last few minutes so it doesn't burn. Set aside.
• Peel away the skin of the eggplant (if a little is left that's OK) and add flesh to a mixing bowl. It should be soft and tender. Add onion-garlic mixture and mash with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• OPTIONAL: Add 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and stir once more - this makes the dip ultra creamy, but is not necessary if vegan or dairy intolerant.
• Serve immediately with pita, toasted baguette, or assorted veggies. Best when eaten fresh, but it will keep in the fridge covered for a couple of days.

EGGPLANT AND YOGURT SPREAD (BORANI-E BâDENJâN)

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler to high.
• Prick the eggplants in several places with the tip of a knife and place under the hot broiler. Broil for 30 to 40 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the skin is charred and the flesh is very soft. Halve the grilled eggplant lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh and place in a colander for about 20 minutes to drain off the excess liquid. Mash the eggplants.
• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute or so. Add the mashed eggplants and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Take off the heat and let cool.
• Stir the strained yogurt into the cooled mixture. Transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle with the saffron water and sprinkle the chopped walnuts all over. Serve with the bread.

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.

BORANI BADEMJAN | FRIED EGGPLANT YOGURT DIP RECIPE

Steps:

• Peel the eggplants and sprinkle salt on them. Wait for 20minutes to have the bitter taste vanished. Wash the eggplants then. Fry them in a suitable frying pan. Place the fried eggplants on a napkin in order to have the extra oil removed.
• Knead the fried eggplants and try to tenderize them well. Put them aside and let them cool down. Grate the garlic cloves and mix them with the strained yogurt. Then add the eggplants to them too. Add salt, pepper and dried mint. You can use dried mint for the garnish. Better to keep the borani in the fridge for at least 3 hours. It will help you have a better tasting borani!