Recipe - Khoresh Bademjan (Braised Lamb And Eggplant)

1 md Eggplant; 1 to 1 One half pounds
One fourth cup Salt
1 teaspoon Salt
Three fourths cup Olive oil
1 md Onion; peeled and cut into
;One fourth inch slices
1 One half pound Lamb shoulder, lean, and
;boneless, cut into 2 inch
;cubes
2 cup Beef stock; fresh or canned
;or 2 cups water
2 tablespoon Tomato paste
One half teaspoon Turmeric
Black pepper; freshly ground
1 md Tomato; cut crosswise into
;4 slices
2 tablespoon Lemon juice, fresh
1 tablespoon Pomegranate syrup; bottled,
;optional

With a large, sharp knife peel the eggplant and cut off its stem end.
Slice the eggplant lengthwise into quarters, then cut the quarters
lengthwise in half to make 8 long strips. Combine 1 quart of water and 1/4
cup of the salt in a shallow bowl or baking dish, add the eggplant and turn
the strips about with a spoon to moisten them thoroughly with the brine.
Soak at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a heavy 12 inch skillet, heat One half cup of olive oil over
moderate heat until a light haze forms above it. Add the onions and,
stirring frequently, cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are deeply
browned. Then transfer them with a slotted spoon to a plate and set aside.
Drain the eggplant strips through a sieve and pat them dry with paper
towels. Heat the oil remaining in the skillet over high heat. Add the
eggplant strips and brown them thoroughly on both sides, adding more oil to
the pan if necessary. Transfer the strips to a plate and set aside. Brown
the lamb cubes well in the same pan, again adding more oil if needed. Then
add the stock or water, tomato paste, turmeric, the remaining teaspoon of
salt, and a few grindings of pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat,
meanwhile scraping in the brown particles clinging to the bottom and sides
of the pan. Add the reserved onions, reduce the heat to low, and simmer
tightly covered for 45 minutes.
Arrange the strips of eggplant side by side on top of the lamb and place
the tomato slices over them. Pour in the lemon juice and the pomegranate
syrup if you are using it. Cover tightly again and simmer for about 45
minutes longer, or until the eggplant and lamb are tender.
Taste for seasoning and serve at once from a deep heated platter or bowl.
Khoresh bademjan is traditionally accompanied by chelo.

36 of 116

Source: Time Life Series: Middle Eastern Cooking "circa '69"

MMed by: earl.cravens@salata.com Submitted By EARL CRAVENS On 011495
(1259)