Eggplant Borani (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 500g eggplants, sliced
02 - 2 tsp garlic, finely grated or chopped
03 - ¼ cup tomato paste
04 - ½ tsp turmeric powder
05 - 1 tsp coriander powder
06 - 1 tsp cumin powder
07 - ¼ tsp chilli pepper
08 - 1 tbsp white vinegar
09 - Sugar to taste
10 - Salt to taste
11 - Pepper to taste
12 - 3 tomatoes, thinly sliced
13 - 1 onion, thinly sliced
14 - 2 green chilies, finely chopped
15 - ½ cup water
16 - Vegetable oil
17 - Pine nuts, for garnish

→ Yogurt Sauce

18 - 1 ½ cups plain yogurt
19 - ½ cup labneh
20 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
21 - Lemon zest to taste
22 - ½ tsp minced garlic
23 - ⅛ tsp dried dill
24 - ⅛ tsp dried mint

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven or air fryer to 200°C. Slice the eggplants lengthwise, about 1.5cm thick. Brush both sides with oil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly golden. If using an air fryer, cook for about 15-20 minutes until slightly golden. Once done, remove and set aside.
02 - In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and fry for 2 minutes. Season with turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, chilli pepper, white vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes to develop flavors.
03 - Add slices of tomato, onions, roasted eggplant, green chili and water to the pan. Cover and simmer on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are cooked and the mixture has thickened.
04 - In a bowl, combine the yogurt, labneh, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried dill, and dried mint. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
05 - Place a generous amount of the yogurt mixture on the base of a large serving plate. Gently spoon the eggplant and tomato mixture over the yogurt, then top with another layer of yogurt sauce. Garnish with pine nuts and optional fresh herbs.
06 - Serve warm or at room temperature. Pairs excellently with naan, pita, or any crusty bread.

# Notes:

01 - Borani is a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring yogurt and vegetables.
02 - For best flavor, allow the dish to rest for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.