Iftar recipe to try at home: Hunkar Begendi

Hunkar Begendi is a traditional Turkish dish which consists of a thick lamb/beef stew topped with a creamy roasted eggplant puree. The name of the dish literally means 'the sultan liked it'!
INGREDIENTS
For the Stew:
Lamb or Beef cut into small cubes....................500gms
Onion, chopped 1
Capsicum chopped 1
Tomatoes, chopped 2
Garlic cloves, crushed 4
Shatta (spicy chili paste) ....1 tsp
(can be substituted with red chilli flakes)
Salt and Pepper..................as required
Olive Oil 3 tbsp
For the eggplant base:
Large eggplant 1
Butter 1/4 cup
Flour 4 tbsp
Milk 1 cup (Add more if too thick)
Ricotta or Parmesan cheese.......1/4 cup
Salt and pepper.......................as required
METHOD
For the Stew:
1. Toss the cleaned and dried lamb/beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil, and sear the meat on high flame till browned.
2. Add in the chopped onions and garlic, saute till the onions turn brown. Add in the remaining ingredients.
3. Cook until the tomatoes get soft and the oil starts to come out. Stir frequently to prevent sticking to dish.
4. Add in 1.5 cups of water. Cover and cook till the meat becomes soft and the gravy quite thick.
For the eggplant base:
1. Roast the eggplant either on the stove top or in a broiler till the exterior is blackened. Let it cool and scoop out the soft flesh and smash with a fork.
2. Heat the butter, add in the flour and stir till bubbly. Then pour the cold milk and stir till the mixture thickens. Once thick, add in the smashed eggplant, the cheese, salt and pepper.
3. Let it cool a bit and then plate the eggplant roux, top with the stew and garnish with some parsley. Serve hot with thick bread!
Recipe courtesy Fatima Shereen. Find her on Instagram @bakeupdubai
Compiled by Mahima Ann Ninan
 

• Food and Dining