Istanbul's Savor
The rich and diverse history of Istanbul's Savor, often referred to as "The Sultan's Delight," dates back to the grandiose Ottoman Empire. This dish combines flavors from across the empire with a creamy, smoky eggplant base coupled with perfectly spiced lamb or beef. Traditionally prepared for the sultans, this dish embodies luxury and culinary mastery.
Ingredients
- Eggplant - 4 large
- Olive Oil - 3 tablespoons
- Beef or Lamb - 500g, cubed
- Onion - 1 large, diced
- Tomato Paste - 2 tablespoons
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Black Pepper - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - to taste
- Butter - 2 tablespoons
- Flour - 2 tablespoons
- Milk - 1 cup
- Nutmeg - a pinch
- Mozzarella Cheese - 1 cup, shredded
Preparation Steps
Preparing Istanbul's Savor involves several steps to ensure every element contributes to the overall dish.
Step 1: Roasting the Eggplants
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Prick the eggplants with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Roast until the skin is charred and the inside is soft, approximately 30-40 minutes. Once roasted, let them cool, peel the skin, and chop the flesh finely. Set aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Meat
While the eggplants are roasting, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Increase the heat to high and add the beef or lamb cubes, searing until browned on all sides. Stir in the tomato paste, black pepper, and salt. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
Step 3: Creating the Eggplant Puree
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook until it turns golden, forming a roux. Gradually add milk, constantly whisking to prevent lumps. Mix in the chopped eggplants, add a pinch of nutmeg, and simmer until the mixture thickens. Off the heat, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
Cooking Time
The preparation and cooking of Istanbul's Savor should take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can set a cooking timer to stay on track.
Serving and Enjoyment
To serve, spoon the creamy eggplant puree onto a plate and top with the meat mixture. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint for added color and aroma. Enjoy this sumptuous dish with traditional Turkish bread or rice pilaf for a complete meal.