
07/14/2025
Persian Eggplant and Lamb Stew
This eggplant stew, known as Khoresh Bademjan, is a flavorful example of traditional Persian slow-cooked meals. Combining savory lamb, fried eggplant, and sour dried limes, the dish balances deep flavors with a soft texture. It’s best served with saffron basmati rice and a golden tahdig crust.
⅓ cup olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
8 cherry tomatoes
4 garlic cloves
2 lbs lamb stew meat
1 tsp advieh
1 tsp turmeric
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
2 cups water
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
3 dried limes or 2 tbsp lime juice
½ tsp saffron in 3 tbsp water (optional)
2 tbsp lime juice
2 eggplants, peeled and sliced
Directions:
1 Fry ⅓ of onions till golden. Remove. Sear tomatoes, set aside.
2 Sauté remaining onions, add garlic. Brown lamb on both sides.
3 Add spices, tomato sauce, water, limes, saffron. Simmer 90 mins.
4 Roast oiled eggplant at 425°F until fork tender, 25 mins.
5 Add eggplant and lime juice to stew. Simmer 30 mins.
6 Top with fried onions and tomatoes. Simmer 10 mins more.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 234