Eggplant Kuku

Eggplant Kuku Recipe: Delicious Persian Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Persia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Eggplant Kuku is a delicious and savory Persian dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish. This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Kuku is a traditional Persian dish that is similar to a frittata or a quiche. It is typically made with a combination of eggs and vegetables, such as herbs, onions, and garlic. Eggplant Kuku is a popular variation of this dish, adding a unique and delicious flavor to the traditional recipe.

Ingredients

2 large eggplants or 6 small eggplants, peeled and cut into thin strips
1 egg white, lightly beaten
0.5 cup vegetable oil, butter or ghee
2 large onions, peeled and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
4 eggs
4 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
0.25 tsp ground saffron threads, dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
limes, juice of
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Peel the eggplants, cut them lengthwise into quarters if they are large, and salt them to remove bitterness if necessary.
Brush each side of the eggplant pieces with egg white to reduce the amount of oil needed for frying.
In a skillet, heat 4 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
Add the onion and stir-fry for 10 minutes, until translucent.
Add the eggplant and garlic and stir-fry for an additional 10 minutes, until all sides are lightly golden brown.
Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Pour 4 tbsp of oil into an 8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Break the eggs into a large bowl.
Add the parsley, saffron water, lime juice, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper.
Beat thoroughly with a fork.
Add the eggplant, onion, and garlic and mix thoroughly.
Pour the mixture into the dish and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
Serve the kuku from the baking dish or unmold it by loosening the edges with a knife and inverting the dish onto a serving platter.
Remove the parchment paper.

Variations

You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the kuku for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to salt the eggplant before cooking to remove any bitterness.

- Brushing the eggplant with egg white before frying helps reduce the amount of oil needed.

- Make sure to thoroughly mix the egg mixture to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Serve the kuku warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Eggplant Kuku with a side of yogurt and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the eggplant and onions before baking helps to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use olive oil instead of ghee for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the kuku ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the kuku with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sumac for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Eggplant Kuku with a side of Persian rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Calories per serving: 250

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

18g per serving

Proteins

8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat flour.

Summary

Eggplant Kuku is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Eggplant Kuku is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish. With a combination of eggplant, onions, and eggs, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through a dusty old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes fell upon a recipe for Eggplant Kuku. I had never heard of it before, but something about the name intrigued me.

I read through the ingredients and instructions, feeling a sense of excitement building within me. Eggplant, eggs, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices all combined to create a dish that sounded both exotic and comforting. I knew I had to try it.

I set out to gather the ingredients, making a trip to the local market where I carefully selected the freshest eggplants and eggs. Back in my kitchen, I began to prepare the dish, following the recipe with meticulous care. I roasted the eggplants until they were tender and caramelized, then mashed them into a smooth puree. The fragrant aroma of garlic and onions filled the air as I sautéed them in a skillet, adding a depth of flavor to the dish.

Cracking the eggs into the bowl, I whisked them together with the spices, creating a rich and creamy mixture that would bind everything together. I folded in the eggplant puree, watching as the vibrant purple color blended with the golden hue of the eggs.

As I poured the mixture into a baking dish and slid it into the oven, I felt a sense of anticipation building within me. The scent of the Eggplant Kuku wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation of the flavors to come.

When the dish emerged from the oven, golden and puffed up, I knew I had created something special. The Eggplant Kuku was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with the creamy eggplant melding perfectly with the savory onions and garlic. Each bite was a delight, with a hint of spice that lingered on the palate.

I served the Eggplant Kuku to my family that evening, watching as their faces lit up with delight at the first taste. They savored each bite, savoring the unique combination of flavors and the comforting warmth of the dish. My grandmother's recipe had truly been a treasure, a culinary gem that brought joy to all who tasted it.

As I sat down to enjoy my own portion of Eggplant Kuku, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the culinary traditions that had been passed down to me. Each recipe held a story, a memory, a connection to the past that made every bite a journey through time.

And so, as I savored the last bite of Eggplant Kuku, I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own repertoire, a beloved recipe that I would pass down to future generations. For in the kitchen, we not only create meals, but memories that last a lifetime. And the recipe for Eggplant Kuku would forever hold a special place in my heart.