Among numerous varieties of Iranian kuku dishes, the eggplant-based kuku bedemjan is one of the classics. Besides eggplants and eggs, it can consist of various other vegetables, fresh herbs, spices, and occasionally chopped walnuts or tangy Iranian barberries.
Just like other kuku dishes, bademjan is traditionally shaped like a thick, round pancake or an omelet that is pan-fried on both sides. It can be served warm or chilled and enjoyed as a quick snack, light main course, or a vegetable side dish.
Ash-e jo is a hearty Iranian soup which combines barley and various beans and lentils. It appears in numerous varieties and can be complemented with various vegetables, spices, and fresh herbs. Even though meat is easily incorporated into the soup, it is not a traditional ingredient used in the preparation of ash-e jo.
The soup is characterized by its thick texture and a slightly sour taste provided by freshly squeezed lemon juice and barberries.
Dal adas is a traditional vegetarian dish hailing from the southern Iranian port city of Bushehr, located on the Persian Gulf. Reminiscent of an Indian dal, this dish typically consists of red lentils which are simmered in vegetable stock with sautéed onions and garlic, diced potatoes, tomato purée, and spices such as turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, and salt.
The combination is enhanced with fresh lime juice or tamarind paste, and it can have a thin and soupy or thick and stew-like consistency. This spicy lentil soup or stew is generally served with freshly chopped coriander and red chili on top, and it's usually accompanied by Persian rice or warm bread on the side.
Naz khatun is an authentic Iranian vegetable condiment which originated in the city of Behshahr. It is prepared with fire-roasted or oven-roasted eggplants, a rather large amount of herbs, and the unusual verjuice, a zesty drink made from unripe grapes.
Roasted eggplants are roughly or finely chopped, then mixed with fragrant herbs such as mint, basil, and parsley. Traditional versions may also include garlic, pomegranate molasses, and powdered wild celery, also known as angelica. Sour verjuice is added in the end to infuse the ingredients and bind them into a more homogenous paste.
Mirza Ghassemi is an eggplant specialty that hails from the Gilan province of Iran. The dish is prepared with eggplants that are first grilled or charred on an open flame before they are finely chopped and combined with tomatoes, garlic, and turmeric.
Finally, eggs are added to blend all the ingredients. Mirza Ghassemi can be prepared in a pan, or as a casserole-dish. It was invented by Mohammad Ghasem Khan, who was once the head of the Gilan province and an Iranian ambassador in Russia. This simple but flavorful dish can be enjoyed as an appetizer when it is usually accompanied by flatbread or as a side dish with rice.
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