Eggplant appetizer imam-bayaldy

4 servings

25 minutes

Imam bayildi is a famous dish of Turkish cuisine infused with the aromas of Eastern spices. The name translates to 'the imam fainted,' and legend has it that he lost consciousness from the delight of its taste. Tender eggplants soaked in tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and olive oil create a harmony of sweet and spicy notes. The heat of chili peppers adds zest while green onions refresh the flavor. This dish is perfect as a cold appetizer, revealing even more over time, as well as a side dish for meat or fish. It is prepared for festive and family gatherings to enjoy the rich bouquet of flavors. Imam bayildi is not just an appetizer but a true culinary masterpiece that conveys the spirit and passion of Turkish gastronomy.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 293.8
• Proteins: 3.4g
• Fats: 25.2g
• Carbohydrates: 15.1g

Ingredients

• Tomatoes: 2 pc
• Onion: 1 head
• Garlic: 2 clove
• Eggplants: 2 pc
• Green onion feathers: 3 pc
• Chili pepper: 2 g
• Olive oil: 5 tbsp
• Sea salt: to taste
• Coarse sea salt: pinch

Cooking steps

1. Pour boiling water over the tomatoes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomatoes: 2 pieces

2. After 2 minutes, drain the water and fill with cold water.

3. Peel the tomatoes, and clean the onion and garlic.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomatoes: 2 pieces
   • Onion: 1 head
   • Garlic: 2 cloves

4. Cut the tomato into small cubes. Chop the onion and garlic coarsely.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomatoes: 2 pieces
   • Onion: 1 head
   • Garlic: 2 cloves

5. Send the vegetables to the heated olive oil (1.5 tbsp) in the pan.

   Required ingredients:

   • Olive oil: 5 tablespoon
   • Tomatoes: 2 pieces
   • Onion: 1 head

6. After 4 minutes, reduce the heat, add pepper and finely chopped green onion. Add salt and mix.

   Required ingredients:

   • Sea salt:  to taste
   • Green onion feathers: 3 pieces

7. After another 3-4 minutes, add garlic pressed through a garlic press and finely chopped chili pepper. After a couple of minutes, remove from heat.

   Required ingredients:

   • Garlic: 2 cloves
   • Chili pepper: 2 g

8. Slice the eggplants about 7 mm thick.

   Required ingredients:

   • Eggplants: 2 pieces

9. Pour oil with a pinch of coarse salt into a heated frying pan.

   Required ingredients:

   • Olive oil: 5 tablespoon
   • Coarse sea salt:  pinch

10. Once the bottom side is nicely browned, flip it.

11. After a couple of minutes, reduce the heat and cover with a lid.

12. After 3-5 minutes, remove from heat and transfer to a deep container.

13. Pour with tomato sauce.

    Required ingredients:

    • Tomatoes: 2 pieces

14. Mix and transfer to a glass jar.