EGGPLANT AND YOGURT SPREAD (BORANI-E BâDENJâN)

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Eggplant and Yogurt Spread (Borani-E Bâdenjân) image

This is a wonderful Iranian dip with a subtle flavor of caramelized onion and saffron and a silky texture offset by the lovely crunch of the walnut garnish.

Provided by Anissa Helou

Categories     HarperCollins     HarperCollins     Condiment/Spread     Condiment     Appetizer     Dip     Eggplant     Summer     Yogurt

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 large eggplants (1 pound 2 ounces/500 g)
1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion (5 ounces/150 g), halved lengthwise and cut into thin wedges
1 clove garlic, minced to a fine paste
Sea salt and finely ground black pepper
1/2 cup (125 g) labneh
Pinch of saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon water
1/3 cup (50 g) walnuts, coarsely chopped
Iranian flatbread, for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat the broiler to high.
  • Prick the eggplants in several places with the tip of a knife and place under the hot broiler. Broil for 30 to 40 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the skin is charred and the flesh is very soft. Halve the grilled eggplant lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh and place in a colander for about 20 minutes to drain off the excess liquid. Mash the eggplants.
  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute or so. Add the mashed eggplants and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Take off the heat and let cool.
  • Stir the strained yogurt into the cooled mixture. Transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle with the saffron water and sprinkle the chopped walnuts all over. Serve with the bread.

Chevy Gribbins
[email protected]

I've never made borani before, but this recipe made it easy. It's a delicious and easy-to-make dish that I'll definitely be making again.


Mystic Roach
[email protected]

This is a great recipe for anyone who loves eggplant. It's simple to make and the results are delicious.


Ssesazi Derrick
[email protected]

I'm always looking for new and interesting ways to use eggplant, and this recipe is a winner. It's so flavorful and easy to make.


Nontembiso Fani
[email protected]

This is a great recipe for a healthy and delicious snack.


Becky Davies
[email protected]

I love the tangy flavor of the yogurt in this spread. It really brightens up the dish.


Sudheer Solangi
[email protected]

This spread is so versatile. I've used it as a dip for vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, and even as a topping for pizza.


Kalam Azad
[email protected]

I've made this spread several times and it's always a hit. It's the perfect appetizer or snack.


Salam Uddin
[email protected]

This is one of my favorite recipes for eggplant. It's so easy to make and it's always a hit with my family and friends.


Abhi Das
[email protected]

I love the smoky flavor of the roasted eggplant in this spread. It's the perfect balance of creamy and tangy.


Babar Shan
[email protected]

This spread is perfect for a party or potluck. It's easy to make ahead of time, and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


Ihtiram Ullah
[email protected]

I'm not a big fan of eggplant, but I really enjoyed this spread. The yogurt and spices helped to balance out the eggplant flavor, and the roasted eggplant added a nice smoky flavor.


Punya Bimali
[email protected]

This is a great recipe for using up leftover eggplant. I always have a few eggplants in my fridge, and this is a great way to use them up before they go bad.


Feat Gaming
[email protected]

I love the versatility of this spread. I've used it as a dip for vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, and even as a topping for grilled chicken. It's always a hit!


Tomas Ayala
[email protected]

This was my first time making borani, and it definitely won't be my last. It was so easy to make and so delicious. I will definitely be making it again soon.


Diego Luna
[email protected]

I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out great! The spread was creamy, flavorful, and had just the right amount of smokiness.


Mahedi Hasan
[email protected]

The eggplant was perfectly roasted, giving the spread a smoky and slightly caramelized flavor. The yogurt added a cooling and tangy contrast to the eggplant, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors.


Azeez Karimot
[email protected]

I love the simplicity of this recipe. With just a few ingredients, I was able to create a delicious and healthy spread that was perfect for a quick and easy snack or appetizer.


Md husen
[email protected]

This eggplant and yogurt spread was a delightful surprise! The flavors of the eggplant, yogurt, and spices blended perfectly together, creating a creamy and flavorful dip that was perfect for spreading on bread or crackers.