Badrijani
The Georgian cuisine developed unique spice blends influenced by their East European and Middle Eastern neighbors. Every family has a secret recipe for the traditional Khmeli-Suneli blend. Walnuts play a prominent role in their daily diet. Enjoy this rich eggplant-walnut dish with an exotic spice blend.
Ingredients
Shopping list
- 2 eggplants cut into round slices, 1/4 inch thin
- 2 cup walnuts unshelled
- fresh bread of your choice
You might have
- 3 cloves garlic or more to taste
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- olive oil
- salt
Optional
- 2 tbsp cilantro chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 8 oz prosciutto or other thin ham
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
Culinary Spice Kit
- Khmeli-Suneli (coriander, fenugreek, marigold, hyssop, paprika, mint, black pepper, turmeric, savory, methi, basil, cinnamon, and cloves)
Instructions
Prepare
- In a BOWL, add eggplant slices sprinkled with 1 tsp salt.
- Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse, press water out, and pat dry.
Walnut Paste
- In a FOOD PROCESSOR, grind walnuts, garlic, cilantro (optional), and vinegar.
- Gradually add water (up to 1/2 cup) to create a thick spread.
- Season with about half of the Badrijani spices and salt to taste.
Optional
- Add raw or fried onions. Mix well.
Cook
- In a PAN, heat oil over medium heat.
- Fry eggplants on both sides until they are cooked and turn slightly brown.
Finish & Serve
- Spread walnut paste on each eggplant slice.
- Serve badrijani with fresh bread.
- Optionally, top badrijani with ham and/ or garnish with pomegranate seeds.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute walnuts with pecan or other nuts.
- Substitute eggplants with four zucchini.
- Without a food processor:
Use a store-bought nut butter. - For badrijani rolls:
Slice eggplants lengthwise. After the walnut paste is spread on top, roll them up.
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!
