Hünkar Beğendi (Sultan’s Delight)
Serving
Time to be Ready
Difficulty
Cuisine
- 500 gBoneless lamb or beef (cubed)
- 2 pcsEggplant (large)
- 4 tbspButter
- 4 tbspFlour
- 2 cupMilk
- 1 cupParmesan Cheese (grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 1Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- 2Pierce the eggplants with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 40 minutes until the skins are charred and the flesh is tender.
- 3Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool. Once cooled, peel off the skin and discard it.
- 4Mash the eggplant flesh using a fork or a food processor until smooth. Set aside.
- 5In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed lamb or beef and cook until browned on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
- 6In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a few minutes until it turns golden brown.
- 7Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens.
- 8Add the mashed eggplant to the sauce and mix well. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- 9Simmer the mixture for a few minutes until all the flavors are well combined.
- 10Serve the Hünkar Beğendi with the cooked lamb or beef on top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Hünkar Beğendi, also known as Sultan’s Delight, is a traditional Turkish dish that combines succulent meat with a luscious eggplant purée. This culinary masterpiece has a history as rich as its flavors and is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
The star of this dish is the creamy and velvety eggplant purée, which serves as a bed for the tender and flavorful meat. The eggplant is roasted until it becomes tender and smoky, then mashed and combined with butter, milk, and a touch of cheese to create a luxurious and silky texture.
The meat component of Hünkar Beğendi is typically lamb or beef, which is slow-cooked to perfection. The meat is seasoned with aromatic spices, cooked until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and then served on top of the eggplant purée. The combination of the savory meat and the creamy eggplant creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying.
This dish is often served as a main course during special occasions and gatherings. Its rich and indulgent nature makes it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a luxurious meal. The preparation and cooking time may take a bit longer due to the slow cooking process, but the end result is well worth the wait.
Whether you’re a fan of Turkish cuisine or simply looking to explore new flavors, Hünkar Beğendi is a dish that shouldn’t be missed. Its unique combination of ingredients, exquisite taste, and cultural significance make it a true standout in the world of culinary delights.
In summary, Hünkar Beğendi is a Turkish masterpiece that brings together the velvety goodness of eggplant purée and the succulent flavors of slow-cooked meat. Indulge in this regal dish and experience a taste of Turkish culinary heritage.
Enjoy your delicious Hünkar Beğendi (Sultan’s Delight)!
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