Borani Banjan (Afghan Eggplant with Tomato and Yogurt)
Local name: بورانی بانجان
In short: Fried eggplant slices simmered in a spiced tomato sauce and laid over garlic yogurt, a cool and warm Afghan starter eaten with bread. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 195 kcal
Borani banjan is a favorite Afghan starter or side: soft fried eggplant in a gently spiced tomato sauce, laid over a cool bed of garlic yogurt and finished with dried mint. The eggplant is fried first so it holds its shape, then simmered briefly with onion and tomato. Scoop it up with warm flatbread, or serve it beside rice and kebabs as part of a shared meal.
Instructions
- Sprinkle the eggplant rounds with the 1 teaspoon of salt and leave in a colander for 20 minutes. Rinse, then pat dry well.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant in batches for about 3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan and fry the onion for 8 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, turmeric and coriander for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes, salt and water. Simmer for 10 minutes until saucy.
- Return the eggplant to the pan, spoon the sauce over and simmer gently for 10 minutes, until the slices are very soft.
- Stir the yogurt with the garlic and salt and spread it on a platter. Spoon the eggplant on top and sprinkle with mint and coriander. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- To use less oil, brush the slices with oil and roast them at 220°C (425°F) for 20 minutes, turning once, instead of frying.
- Zucchini, peppers or potatoes can replace the eggplant, using the same sauce. Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like heat.
Questions and answers
Can I make borani banjan ahead of time?
Yes. The eggplant in sauce keeps for 3 days in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature and set it on fresh yogurt just before serving.
What do you serve with borani banjan?
Warm flatbread, rice and kebabs. It also works as one of several small dishes on a shared table.
Is it spicy?
No. It is mild and savory. Add chili flakes or a chopped green chili to the sauce if you want heat.
How long does it take to make Borani Banjan (Afghan Eggplant with Tomato and Yogurt)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Borani Banjan (Afghan Eggplant with Tomato and Yogurt)?
About 195 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 195 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
