Imam Bayildi
Imam Bayildi is a very popular legendary Turkish dish, served completely 100% plant-based!Featuring eggplant cooked slowly until tender, it pairs perfectly with a filling of sautéed onions, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and the rich aroma of olive oil.This dish is very special because it maintains its simplicity but is full of its original flavor, soft, naturally sweet vegetables, savory and fragrant, and is very delicious served warm or at room temperature.It is proof that authentic traditional cuisine remains incredibly delicious with only natural, plant-based ingredients.
Shared by Ardan
Time
65 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
medium
🛒 Ingredients
- #the main ingredient:
- 4 medium-sized purple eggplants
- Two large onions, sliced lengthwise
- 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced,
- 4 stem tomatoes, diced/400 grams canned tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 100 ml pure olive oil
- 100 ml boiled water/vegetable stock
- Salt, black pepper and a little sugar to tasteSalt, black pepper and a little sugar to taste
- One teaspoon of dried oregano leavesOne teaspoon of dried oregano leaves
- Chopped fresh parsley for sprinkling
👩🍳 Instructions
- 1
Peel the eggplant in stripes (like a zebra), cut off the ends, then split them lengthwise down the middle without breaking them. Slice the eggplant flesh crosswise.
- 2
Rub the eggplant with a little salt, let it sit for 15 minutes to release the bitter water, then rinse and dry.
- 3
Heat some olive oil, fry the eggplant briefly until the skin is slightly brown, then remove and arrange in a heatproof container.
- 4
Sauté the onions until softened and translucent, then add the garlic until fragrant. Add the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, spices, and water. Cook for 5 minutes until combined.
- 5
Pour the stir-fry filling into the eggplant halves. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top. Bake or cook over very low heat, covered, for 30 minutes, until the eggplant is completely tender and the sauce has thickened.
- 6
Serve warm or at room temperature with a sprinkle of parsley. Your delicious meal is ready to be enjoyed!