Kashke Bademjan (Persian style Roasted Eggplant Dip 4 Servings

Ingredients Quantity Methods Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/4 cup 1. Roast Eggplant coated with olive oil in a 400 degree Eggplants, roasted, mashed 2 large oven until the skin is charred and the eggplant releases Onion, sliced thin 1 large liquid. Take the roasted eggplant out of the oven, cover and let it rest for 10 minutes. Garlic cloves, mince 3 cloves Dried Mint Leaves 2 T 2. Heat a heavy bottom pan and add olive oil to it. Now Kashk 1 T add the sliced onions and caramelize the onion on a me- dium heat. Heat should not be very high, otherwise on- Saffron Threads, soaked in 2 T of 2 each ions will burn instead of caramelizing. hot water Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice 1/2 tsp 3. Spoon out the onions onto paper towels leaving the Salt & Pepper 2 pinches or oil behind in the pan. to taste 4. Now add garlic & mint and sauté for 2 minutes. Garnish with: Chopped Walnuts, Caramelized handful 5. Now add to the same pan the roasted eggplant mix- ture (mashed), caramelized onions {save some for gar- Onions & Fresh Chopped Mint nish}, saffron liquid, lemon juice, turmeric powder & salt/ pepper. Saute for few more minutes.

6. For the Kashk, add 3 tablespoons water to 1 table- spoon Kashk powder. OR use diluted with some . 7. Serve the dip on a plate, first spoon the Kashk mix- ture, then garnish the dip with caramelized onions, toast- ed chopped walnuts, & chopped fresh mint. 8. Serve this delicious Persian Dip warm with Lavash or Breads.

Recipe & photo: Food52.com

Mast-o-Khiar & Cumber Salad/Dip 8 Servings

Ingredients Quantity Methods Greek Yogurt 2 cups 1. In a medium bowl, stir the yogurt with the cucum- Persian Cucumbers, finely diced 4 small bers, dill, shallot, and garlic. Season with salt Fresh Dill, finely chopped 1/2 cup and pepper. Transfer into a serving bowl and Shallot, minced 1 small garnish with dried mint and rose petals Garlic Clove, minced 1 small Kosher Salt to taste Pepper to taste

Dried Mint & Rose Petals for garnish

Recipe & photo: foodandwine.com