Khoresh Bademjan Recipe (Persian Eggplant Stew) – Rich, Tangy & Comforting
Khoresh Bademjan is a classic Persian stew made with tender beef or lamb, silky fried eggplant, and a savory tomato-based sauce. Infused with warm spices and a hint of tanginess, this comforting dish is a staple of Iranian home cooking and pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice.
This authentic recipe walks you through each step to achieve perfectly tender eggplant and a rich, flavorful sauce.
📌 Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Persian / Middle Eastern
- Course: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
🛒 Ingredients
- 500 g beef or lamb, cut into cubes
- 3 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus extra for frying eggplant)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3–4 cups water or stock
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or a dried lime (optional)
👩🍳 How to Make Khoresh Bademjan
1️⃣ Prepare the Eggplant
Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let sit for 20 minutes to reduce bitterness.
Pat dry and fry in oil until golden. Set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Onion
Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onion until soft and golden.
3️⃣ Brown the Meat
Add beef or lamb and cook until lightly browned.
Stir in turmeric and tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes.
4️⃣ Simmer
Add water or stock and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes until meat is tender.
5️⃣ Add Eggplant
Gently place fried eggplant into the stew.
Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
6️⃣ Finish & Serve
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Serve hot with steamed basmati rice.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Persian rice or Tahdig
- Pair with yogurt or fresh herb salad
- Add pickles for a traditional touch
💡 Tips for Perfect Khoresh Bademjan
✔ Fry eggplant until fully golden to prevent sogginess
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying
✔ Simmer gently for best flavor
✔ Make ahead — stew tastes better the next day
🔄 Variations
- Chicken Version: Substitute chicken for a lighter dish
- Vegetarian: Replace meat with chickpeas or mushrooms
- Spicy: Add chili flakes or paprika
Nutrition Facts – Khoresh Bademjan Recipe
Estimated per serving, assuming 6 servings. Values may vary depending on the amount of oil, meat, and other ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 72 mg |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Calcium | 65 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Potassium | 720 mg |
Note: These are approximate values for one serving of Khoresh Bademjan and can vary depending on the recipe, portion size, and cooking method—especially how much oil the eggplant absorbs.
❓ FAQs
Can I bake the eggplant instead of frying?
Yes, brush with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) until golden.
What does Khoresh Bademjan taste like?
Savory, slightly tangy, and rich with silky eggplant texture.
How long does it keep?
Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
Similar Recipes You May Like:
1.Khoresh gheymeh
A rich Persian stew made with tender meat, yellow split peas, and dried lime, offering a comforting and savory flavor.
Why it’s similar:
✔ Traditional Persian khoresh
✔ Slow simmered
✔ Served with rice
2.Fesenjan
A luxurious stew combining chicken, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses for a sweet-tangy taste.
Why it’s similar:
✔ Persian comfort stew
✔ Slow cooking method
✔ Rich sauce
3.Ghormeh Sabji
A classic herb stew with beef or lamb, kidney beans, and dried lime, known for its deep, savory flavor.
Why it’s similar:
✔ Traditional Iranian stew
✔ Long simmer for depth
✔ Rice pairing
4.Mirza Ghasemi
A smoky Persian eggplant dish with tomato and garlic, offering a rich and comforting flavor profile.
Why it’s similar:
✔ Eggplant-focused Persian dish
✔ Savory tomato base
✔ Comfort food
5.Abgoosht
A hearty Persian stew with lamb, chickpeas, and potatoes, traditionally served with bread.
Why it’s similar:
✔ Slow-cooked comfort dish
✔ Hearty texture
✔ Traditional Persian cuisine
📝 Final Thoughts
Khoresh Bademjan is a beautifully comforting Persian stew that showcases the rich flavor of eggplant combined with tender meat and a savory tomato sauce. It’s an elegant yet simple dish that’s perfect for family meals or special occasions.
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