Description
Borani Banjan is a vibrant Middle Eastern dish that combines crispy fried eggplant with a spiced tomato sauce and a refreshing herby yogurt. This recipe not only celebrates the rich flavors of eggplant but also offers a delightful contrast in textures, making it perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Easy to prepare, Borani Banjan can be served as a standout main or as part of a mezze platter alongside other dishes. With its hearty yet vegetarian profile, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy all palates.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs eggplant (peeled and sliced)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup frying oil (canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 4 teaspoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic (finely minced)
- 2 teaspoons mint (minced)
- 2 teaspoons parsley (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Parsley leaves for garnish
- Dried mint for garnish
- Red onion (very finely minced) for garnish
Instructions
- Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- Heat frying oil in a skillet and fry the eggplant until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, sauté garlic and spices in olive oil, then add diced tomatoes and simmer until thickened.
- Mix plant-based yogurt with lemon zest, minced garlic, mint, parsley, and salt.
- Layer herb yogurt, tomato sauce, and fried eggplant in a serving dish. Top with more sauce and yogurt.
- Garnish with parsley leaves and serve warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg