Khoresh Bademjan (Eggplant and Tomato Lamb Stew)

Ingredients

• •1 lb lamb shoulder or beef stewing cubes
• •2 medium Italian eggplants, sliced lengthwise into quarters
• •1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• •1 can (398 ml) canned diced tomatoes
• •2 tbsp tomato paste
• •0.25 tsp saffron threads, bloomed in 3 tbsp warm water
• •0.75 tsp turmeric
• •0.25 tsp cinnamon
• •1.25 tsp salt
• •0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• •4 tbsp vegetable oil
• •1 cup water or low-sodium beef broth
• •1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. 1Salt the eggplant slices generously and let them sit for 15 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
2. 2Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the meat in batches for 6 minutes total; set aside.
3. 3In the same pot, add 1 tbsp oil and cook the onion over medium heat for 10 minutes until deeply golden.
4. 4Add turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the onion and stir for 1 minute, then add tomato paste and stir for another minute.
5. 5Return the meat to the pot, pour in the diced tomatoes and broth, add the saffron water, and bring to a boil.
6. 6Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until the meat is nearly tender.
7. 7While the stew simmers, heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick skillet and pan-fry the eggplant slices over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
8. 8Gently lay the fried eggplant slices on top of the stew without stirring, add lemon juice, then cover and continue simmering for 15 more minutes.
9. 9Serve carefully so the eggplant stays intact, spooning the sauce over the top with steamed basmati rice alongside.

💡 Salting and patting the eggplant dry before frying prevents it from absorbing too much oil. For a lighter version, brush eggplant slices with oil and roast at 425°F for 20 minutes instead of pan-frying.

Cook this with Miamzi 👨‍🍳

Miamzi knows what's in your kitchen — it checks this recipe against your ingredients, adds what's missing to your grocery list, plans your week, and invents new dishes from what you already have.