Mirza ghasemi(میرزاقاسمی) is a mashed eggplant dish. Originally from Rasht, it is a popular dish of Caspian cuisine.

Eggplants are first roasted, usually taking on a smoky flavor from roasting over fire. Once cooled, the eggplants are peeled and mashed then cooked with tomato. Turmeric and other ingredients such as chili powder can be added. Egg is usually mixed in at the end of cooking. The dish is sometimes garnished with parsley or coriander.

Mirza ghasemi pairs well with bread or rice; it can be served as a dip or as part of mezze. It is similar to baba ghanoush of Levantine cuisine.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 eggplant, slit
• 4 clove garlic, minced
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 tomato, peeled and finely chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp turmeric powder (optional)
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional)

Directions

• barbecue or roast eggplant until soft and lightly charred, 30 to 60 minutes at 375°F
• let cool
• peel and mash
• sauté garlic, onion
• add tomato
• mix in eggplant, salt, turmeric powder, chili powder
• simmer, stirring, until thickened somewhat
• serve