Persian Eggplant Dip With Walnuts Recipes

KASHKE BADEMJAN (PERSIAN EGGPLANT DIP)

Steps:

• Peel the eggplants and cut them in halves lengthwise, then cut each into half width-wise.
• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a pan, once hot, place the eggplants in the pan and sear on both sides until golden brown. The eggplants are not supposed to cook all the way through.
• Take the eggplants out of the pan and place them in a plate. In the same pan, pour two tablespoons olive oil and saute the onion until golden brown and soft.
• Add in the garlic and give it a nice stir.
• Add in the browned eggplants, turmeric, salt and black pepper. Mix and add the water. Cover and cook for ten to fifteen minutes until the eggplants are cooked through.
• Once the eggplants are cooked, turn the heat off and mash the eggplants using a potato masher or an immersion blender.
• Add kashk, one tablespoon dried mint and bloomed saffron to the eggplant mixture and stir well. Turn the heat on to medium and cook for another five to eight minutes.
• Serve warm with pita, lavash or naan bread.

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.

PERSIAN EGGPLANT DIP WITH WALNUTS

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the grill to high.2. When ready to cook, place the eggplants on the hot grate and grill, turning with tongs, until the skin is charred all over and the flesh is very soft, 20 to 30 minutes the eggplants will have lost their firm shape. Transfer the eggplants to a plate to cool.3. Grind the nuts to a coarse powder in a food processor, running the machine in bursts. Using a paring knife, scrape the charred skin off the eggplants. Transfer the eggplant flesh to the food processor workbowl with the ground nuts. Crumble the feta and add to the processor along with the garlic, then process to a smooth purée. Add the reserved feta liquid, yogurt, 2 tablespoons of the oil, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and salt and pepper and process until smooth. Taste for seasoning, adding salt or lemon juice as necessary the mixture should be highly seasoned. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Make a slight hollow in the center of the dip with the back of a spoon and set aside.4. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the mint and sauté, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour the mint oil into the hollow in the dip and serve immediately with the pita chips.Makes about 1 1/2 cups serves 6 to 8 as an appetizer or dip

JULIA CHILD'S EGGPLANT-WALNUT DIP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425 degrees. Cut green caps off eggplants and place them whole in a baking dish. Bake until very soft and collapsing, 30 to 35 minutes. When cool enough to handle, scrape flesh into the bowl of a mixer (or use a hand mixer).
• Beat at high speed for about two minutes, until smooth and fluffy. Add walnuts, garlic, ginger, allspice, two big pinches of salt and one of pepper. Shake in a few dashes of hot sauce. Mix well.
• With the mixer running, gradually drizzle in oil, as if making mayonnaise, just until mixture is emulsified and creamy. Stop, taste and adjust the seasonings with salt, pepper and hot sauce. If desired, beat in remaining olive oil.
• Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to one week.