Khoresh Bademjan Chicken: Persian Cuisine at Its Finest

When it comes to Persian cuisine, few dishes stand out from the rest like Khoresh Bademjan Chicken. Also known as ‘eggplant chicken’, it is a classic Persian dish that brings together both traditional and modern flavors. To capture the ideal combination of smoky, sweet, and savory, this one-pot dish features an array of ingredients like eggplant, tomatoes, and a variety of spices.

Although not particularly adventurous, Khoresh Bademjan Chicken is a unique take on classic flavors that leaves your palate with a lasting impression. As a stew-like dish, it can involve some cooking time. But the extra effort is worth it, as the end result is a mouth-watering blend of ingredients that is unlike anything else.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

  • 1 large eggplant, diced

  • Salt to taste

  • 1/2 cup freshly chopped parsley

  • 2 large tomatoes, diced

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup chopped mint

  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.

  2. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

  3. Add the turmeric and chicken, and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

  4. Add the eggplant, salt, parsley, tomatoes, lemon juice, and mint. Stir to combine.

  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.

  6. Serve warm over steamed basmati rice.

Tasting Notes

One bite into Khoresh Bademjan Chicken, and you’ll find yourself entranced by a symphony of flavors.
The eggplant lends a delightful smokiness while the tomatoes give sweetness to the dish. The combination of turmeric and onion adds a savory taste, while the lemon juice and mint adds some needed brightness. Together, these seemingly disparate flavors melt together for a mouthful of deliciousness that’ll linger in your taste buds for days.

From Persian Nostalgia to Culinary Execution

Khoresh Bademjan Chicken often holds a special place in the hearts of Persians. It’s a classic dish that’s been cooked for generations, often surrounding family dinners and special occasions.

But even if you’re not of Persian-descent, you’ll find a lot to appreciate about this dish. There’s plenty of room for customization in Khoresh Bademjan Chicken. You can either use boneless and skinless chicken breasts or shredded chicken, depending on your preference. You can also use various vegetables like potatoes, green beans, and even bell peppers.

If you’d like to explore Persian cuisine further, similar recipes you can try include Ghormeh Sabzi and Fesenjan. Both involve hearty ingredients like meat and vegetables, but vary in spices and cooking methods.

Whether it’s a comfort food that passes down generations of your family or an homage to Persian dishes of old, Khoresh Bademjan Chicken is sure to bring warm memories and bold flavors to your meal. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a classic Persian favorite.