Imam Bayildi
May 26
5 min read
No comments
A delicious Turkish dish featuring stuffed eggplant.
Imam Bayildi is a classic Turkish dish that translates to 'The Imam Fainted.' Legend has it that the Imam fainted upon tasting the incredible flavors of this dish. It consists of eggplants that are stuffed with a fragrant mixture of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, then slow-cooked until tender and flavorful. This vegetarian dish is not only delicious but also showcases the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients
- Eggplants — 2 large
- Onion — 1 medium-sized, finely chopped
- Garlic — 3 cloves, minced
- Tomatoes — 3 medium-sized, chopped
- Parsley — 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Fresh mint — 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Olive oil — 1/4 cup
- Sugar — 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice — 1 tablespoon
- Salt — to taste
- Black pepper — to taste
- Water — 1/2 cup
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/2-inch thick shell. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the chopped eggplant flesh to the skillet and cook until softened.
5. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, parsley, mint, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the flavors are well combined.
6. Stuff the eggplant shells with the mixture, packing it tightly. Place the stuffed eggplants in a baking dish.
7. Pour water into the baking dish to prevent the eggplants from drying out during baking.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the tops to brown slightly.
10. Serve Imam Bayildi warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional parsley and mint if desired.
11. Enjoy this flavorful Turkish dish with rice or crusty bread.