Garni Yarikh - Azeri Stuffed Aubergines
These Azeri-stuffed aubergines will transport your tastebuds to another dimension! This particular version of the ever so popular stuffed veg is called Garni Yarikh. This is its Azeri name, the language of Iran’s Azerbaijan province, where this heavenly dish comes from.
You can prepare it with lamb, beef or vegan mince, depending on your preferences. Either way, I can guarantee this won’t be the last time you prepare this mouthwatering dish!
Cook the most popular Persian dishes at home with the help of my e-book.
Time
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 1h
Total: 1h 10 min
Ingredients for Garni Yarikh (serving 2)
2 aubergines/eggplants (500g/1.1lbs)
250g/8.8oz mince/ground beef or lamb
400g/14oz chopped tomatoes or cherry tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 medium onion
4 cloves garlic
7 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 black pepper
Salt to taste
Method of preparing Garni Yarikh
Cut the aubergines lengthwise in half. Sprinkle the cut sides with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes.
In the meantime finely chop the onion and garlic cloves.
Gently sauté the onions in 2 tbsp veg oil for 15 min until golden brown. Add the garlic and sauté both together for another 5 minutes.
Add the chopped tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. Season with turmeric and black pepper. Let them simmer gently.
Fry the minced/ground meat in 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Make sure it is divided into small pieces. You can separate it with a cooking spoon (a heat-resistant spatula works best).
Add it to the tomatoes, season with salt, put on the lid and let the mixture simmer over low to medium heat for about 15 minutes.
Make a long, shallow, lengthwise cut in the cut side of the aubergine/eggplant halves. This will broaden the surface of the aubergines, so you’ll be able to fit in more stuffing, once they’re fried.
Fry the aubergines from both sides in 4 tbsp vegetable oil in the pan you fried the meat in.
Fill them with the tomato meat mixture, put on the lid and let them cook for another 30 minutes. If there is too much moisture in the pan, you can remove the lid towards the end of the cooking time.
Serve the Garni Yarikh with aromatic Persian rice or bread.
I hope you enjoyed this recipe! If you have any questions please let me know in the comments, I’m always happy to help. I’d love to see your Garni Yarikh!
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