Imam Baildi I

Imam Baildi I Recipe: Authentic Greek Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Imam Baildi is a traditional Greek dish made with eggplants, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of seasonings. This dish is not only delicious, but also packed with nutrients and flavors that will leave you wanting more.

History

Imam Baildi is a classic Greek dish that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. Legend has it that a Turkish Imam fainted upon tasting the dish because it was so delicious. The name "Imam Baildi" translates to "the Imam fainted" in Turkish, paying homage to this story.

Ingredients

4 slim, elongated eggplants, about 700 g
150 ml olive oil
salt and pepper
450 g onions, thinly sliced
3 – 4 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
450 g tomatoes, peeled and sliced
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp sugar

How to prepare

Cut the stalks off the eggplants and rinse them.
Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit on one side of the eggplants, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Open the eggplants like a wallet to create an opening for the stuffing.
In a frying pan, gently shallow-fry the eggplants in 4 tbsp of olive oil.
If needed, add more oil to the frying pan.
Remove the eggplants from the pan and arrange them side by side in a small oven dish.
Season the eggplants.
In a saucepan, heat the remaining olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until slightly golden.
Add fresh tomatoes and half a cupful of water.
Season the mixture.
Add oregano and sugar, and cook covered for 15 minutes.
Using a spoon, fill the eggplants with the stuffing, slightly opening them.
The eggplants should be soft at this point.
Generously fill the eggplants with the stuffing.
Typically, the eggplants release enough juices during cooking, so no additional liquid is necessary in the oven dish.
Cook the eggplants in a pre-heated oven at gas mark 4 (350°F / 180°C) for 40 minutes, basting them once during cooking.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding feta cheese or olives to the stuffing mixture. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Imam Baildi, be sure to choose slim, elongated eggplants for the best results. It's important to season the eggplants well before stuffing them to ensure that they are flavorful throughout. Additionally, basting the eggplants while they cook in the oven will help keep them moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious Imam Baildi is to cook the eggplants until they are soft and tender. Be sure to baste the eggplants while they cook in the oven to keep them moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. You can also substitute red bell peppers for some of the eggplants for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Imam Baildi can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Simply assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

To make Imam Baildi look even more appetizing, garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or mint before serving. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Imam Baildi pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, fish, or poultry. It also goes well with a side of rice, couscous, or crusty bread.

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 for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Imam Baildi contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Imam Baildi contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the eggplants, onions, and tomatoes used in the dish.

Fats

Imam Baildi is a relatively high-fat dish, with each serving containing around 20 grams of fat. The olive oil used in the recipe contributes to the healthy fats in the dish.

Proteins

Each serving of Imam Baildi contains about 3 grams of protein. While this dish is not particularly high in protein, it can be paired with a protein-rich side dish to create a more balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Imam Baildi is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. The eggplants and tomatoes used in the dish are rich in these nutrients.

Alergens

Imam Baildi contains eggplants and garlic, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Imam Baildi is a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and relatively low in calories.

Summary

Imam Baildi is a delicious and nutritious Greek dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With its flavorful stuffing and tender eggplants, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was given to me by a dear friend who had learned it from her grandmother in Greece. The recipe was called "Imam Baildi," which translates to "the Imam fainted" in Turkish.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I was immediately drawn to the simplicity and elegance of the dish. It consisted of eggplants, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a few select herbs and spices. The preparation was straightforward, but the end result promised to be a rich and flavorful dish that would surely impress any dinner guest.

I decided to try my hand at making Imam Baildi for a family gathering that weekend. I carefully followed the recipe, slicing the eggplants and sautéing them until they were soft and golden brown. I then cooked the tomatoes, onions, and garlic until they formed a fragrant sauce, seasoned with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg.

As the dish simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that I would make time and time again for my loved ones.

When it was finally time to serve the Imam Baildi, I placed a generous spoonful on each plate, garnishing it with a sprig of fresh parsley. The dish looked beautiful, with its vibrant colors and enticing fragrance. As my family sat down to eat, their faces lit up with delight as they took their first bite.

The flavors of the dish were exquisite, the sweetness of the tomatoes and onions perfectly complemented by the smoky richness of the eggplants. The spices added a subtle complexity that elevated the dish to a whole new level. It was a hit with everyone at the table, with many requesting second helpings.

As we ate, I shared the story of how I had come to learn the recipe for Imam Baildi. My friend's grandmother had passed it down to her, and now I was passing it down to my own family. It was a recipe that had traveled through generations, bringing joy and nourishment to all who tasted it.

Since that first time making Imam Baildi, I have continued to perfect the recipe, adapting it to my own tastes and preferences. I have added my own twists and variations, making it a truly personalized dish that reflects my love for cooking and my appreciation for the culinary traditions of the past.

Imam Baildi has become a beloved dish in my family, a symbol of the love and care that goes into preparing a homemade meal. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and forge connections that last a lifetime.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, I encourage you to give Imam Baildi a chance. Let its rich flavors and comforting aromas transport you to a place of warmth and hospitality, where the simple act of sharing a meal can bring joy and nourishment to all who partake.