Imam Baildi

Imam Baildi Recipe: A Vegetarian Delight from Japan & Turkey

Region / culture: Japan, Turkey | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Imam Baildi is a traditional Greek dish made with eggplants, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices. This dish is known for its rich and flavorful taste, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

History

The name "Imam Baildi" translates to "the Imam fainted" in Turkish, and the dish is said to have originated in Turkey. Legend has it that an Imam (a Muslim religious leader) fainted from the delicious aroma of the dish cooking in the kitchen, hence the name. Over time, the recipe spread to Greece and other Mediterranean countries, where it has become a staple in many households.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) japanese eggplants
0.67 cup olive oil
2 cups onions, thinly sliced
3 – 4 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced thin
2 cups tomatoes, peeled and sliced
0.5 cup water
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp sugar
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Cut off the ends of the eggplants/aubergines.
Create an opening for the stuffing by using a sharp knife to slice the eggplant from the stem end down to the other end, making sure not to cut all the way through.
In a skillet, heat 4 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
Gently fry the eggplant.
If needed, add more oil to the frying pan.
Remove the eggplant from the skillet and place it in an 8"x8" baking dish.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet.
Sauté the onions and garlic in it until they are slightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook the vegetables until they are soft.
Add the fresh tomatoes and half a cup of water to the skillet.
Add the oregano, sugar, more salt, and pepper.
Simmer covered for 15 minutes.
Remove the stuffing from heat.
Fill the eggplants with the stuffing.
They will be slightly open as they don't need to be closed back over the stuffing mixture, so be very generous.
Bake for 40 minutes, basting them at least once.

Variations

Add crumbled feta cheese to the stuffing mixture for a creamy and tangy twist.
Top the stuffed eggplants with breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy texture.
Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or mint for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the eggplants carefully to create an opening for the stuffing without cutting all the way through.

- Frying the eggplants before stuffing them helps to enhance their flavor and texture.

- Basting the eggplants while baking helps to keep them moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Imam Baildi can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or crusty bread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the oven to ensure even cooking.

- Fry the eggplants until they are golden brown for added flavor.

- Simmer the tomato and onion mixture until it is thick and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular eggplants instead of Japanese eggplants.

- Substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Imam Baildi can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Simply assemble the dish and cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Imam Baildi on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Imam Baildi pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir. It also goes well with a side salad or grilled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Imam Baildi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 18g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 23g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Imam Baildi is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains olive oil and may not be suitable for those with olive allergies.

Summary

Imam Baildi is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates. It is a great option for those looking for a vegetarian meal that is both satisfying and delicious.

Summary

Imam Baildi is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal or a side dish. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the windows of my grandmother's kitchen. I was just a young girl at the time, watching as she moved about the room with a sense of purpose and grace.

My grandmother was a wonderful cook, known throughout the village for her delicious dishes and her generous spirit. She had learned to cook from her own mother, who had passed down the family recipes through generations. But it wasn't just our family's recipes that my grandmother knew. She had a knack for picking up new dishes from friends, neighbors, and even strangers she met along her travels.

On this particular day, my grandmother had a visitor. A woman from a neighboring village had come to pay her respects and brought with her a small gift - a handwritten recipe for a dish called Imam Baildi. I watched as my grandmother's eyes lit up with excitement as she read through the recipe, her fingers tracing the words written in delicate script.

"This is a special dish," the woman explained. "It is said to have been created by a wise old Imam who lived in a small village many years ago. Legend has it that he made this dish for his beloved wife, using only the finest ingredients and a touch of magic."

My grandmother's curiosity was piqued. She thanked the woman for the recipe and promised to try it out soon. As soon as the visitor had left, my grandmother set to work gathering the ingredients she would need.

The recipe called for eggplants, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices. As my grandmother chopped and sautéed, the kitchen filled with the rich, savory aroma of the dish coming together. I watched in awe as she worked, her hands moving with practiced ease as she layered the ingredients in a deep baking dish.

Once the dish was assembled, my grandmother placed it in the oven to bake. As we waited for it to cook, she told me stories of the wise old Imam and his beloved wife, of the magic that was said to be woven into the dish.

When the timer finally beeped, my grandmother pulled the dish out of the oven. The aroma that wafted from the dish was intoxicating, a tantalizing blend of roasted eggplant, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. My mouth watered as she spooned a generous portion onto a plate for me to try.

I took a bite, the flavors exploding on my tongue in a symphony of tastes and textures. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, a dish that seemed to speak of love and devotion in every bite.

From that day on, Imam Baildi became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make it for special occasions, or simply when she wanted to treat us to something truly special. Each time she made it, she would tell me the story of the wise old Imam and his beloved wife, passing down the magic of the dish to me.

As I grew older, I learned to make Imam Baildi myself, using the same recipe that had been given to my grandmother so many years ago. And though the years have passed and my grandmother is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in every dish I cook, especially in the magic of Imam Baildi. It is a recipe that has brought our family together, a reminder of the love and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

And so, every time I make Imam Baildi, I think of my grandmother and the day she first found the recipe, a memory that will always hold a special place in my heart.