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Vegan Persian Qaymeh Bademjan

Khoresh-e-Gheymeh Bademjan (Split Pea and Eggplant Stew)

  • Author: Plant-Based Persian
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 5 People 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

An eggplant and lentil stew

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2/3 cup yellow split peas (rinsed and soaked in warm water for at least 1 hr)
    • If you prefer to prepare this dish as just Khoresh-e-Gheymeh (i.e. without the eggplant), just increase the yellow split peas to 1 cup.
  • 3 Japanese eggplants (peeled and cut in long, thin slices – but not too thin or it may burn in the baking method above)
  • Cooking oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 tsp. turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp. paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. cumin
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 cups chopped mushroom
  • 1 cup tomato purée
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 2 Tbsp. ground dried lime (Should be available at Persian, Indian, Afghan, or other international market)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Prepare the eggplant according to the baking or frying method in Notes below. Set aside.
  3. Add 1 Tbsp. oil to a medium pot on medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add the garlic and sauté for 2 more minutes.
  5. Add the spices (except the dried lime powder) and stir.
  6. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 5-10 minutes until caramelized.
  7. Add the tomato puree and tomato paste and cook for 3 more minutes.
  8. Add the water and the split peas and the dry lemon powder. Stir, cover and cook until the split peas are tender (about 30 minutes). Add more water as needed. It should not be too thick. I usually add about another 1 cup water.
  9. Assemble the khoresh for baking – in a medium glass baking dish, assemble half the fried/baked eggplant. Pour the stew over it. Place the remaining fried/baked eggplant on top. Cover with foil (poke a few holes in the foil with a fork), and cook for 40 to 50 minutes until the eggplant is tender and well cooked.
  10. Garnish with French fries! You can make your own French fries or use ready-made French fries. We used the Pik-Nik ready-made shoestring French fries in the picture above. 
  11. Serve with Persian rice. Noosh-e-Jan (Enjoy!)

Notes

The eggplant in this dish can be prepared in two different methods (baked or fried) depending on your tolerance for cooking with oil. I think the frying method below tastes better, but the baking method is healthier.

Method 1 – Baking the Eggplant: Spray a baking sheet with oil. Lightly coat the peeled and cut eggplant with oil and place on the baking sheet. Bake at 350 F until golden brown. Then put on broil for about 2 minutes.

Method 2 – Frying the Eggplant: Add 2 Tbsp. oil to a pan on medium heat. Add the peeled and cut eggplant in batches, and fry until golden brown on both sides (adding more oil as needed – typically another 2 Tbsp. oil).

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 90 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Iranian/Persian

Find it online: https://plantbasedpersian.com/khoresh-e-ghaymeh-bademjan-split-pea-and-eggplant-stew/