Chicken and Eggplant Khoresh (Khoreshe Bademjun)

In Persian, khoresh mean aubergines/eggplants. It is often served on festive occasions and is believed to have been a favorite of kings.

Ingredients

  • whole chicken or 4 large chicken pieces
  • eggplant - 3, sliced
  • pepper - 3 (red, yellow and green), seeded and sliced
  • tomatoes - 400g/14oz, chopped
  • garlic - 2 cloves, crushed
  • large onion - 1, chopped
  • ground cinnamon - 1 tbsp
  • black pepper and salt
  • oil - 2 tbsp
  • lemon juice - 2 tbsp
  • water - 250ml/8fl oz/1 cup
  • rice - to serve

Method

  • Heat the 1 tbsp oil in a saucepan and fry the chicken (both sides) for 10 minutes.
  • Add the onion and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  • Then, add the chopped tomatoes and their liquid, water, garlic and seasoning. Boil it then reduce heat and simmer slowly, covered for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil and fry the aubergines until golden. Transfer to a plate.
  • Add the peppers to the pan and fry for few minutes until it slightly softened.
  • Place the aubergines and peppers over the chicken. Sprinkle over the cinnamon and lemon juice.
  • Cover the chicken and continue to cook over a low heat for 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked.
  • transfer the chicken, peppers and aubergines to the plate. Reheat the sauce and adjusting the seasoning, then pour over the chicken.
  • Serve with rice. Serves 4.

 

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