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Borani Banjan Recipe

Delicious Borani Banjan Recipe: Afghan Eggplant Delight

This Borani Banjan recipe showcases crispy eggplant with spiced tomato sauce and creamy yogurt, offering a flavorful journey into Afghan cuisine.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: APPETIZERS
Cuisine: Afghan
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Eggplant
  • 2 medium Eggplant sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Salt for drawing out moisture
  • 1 cup Frying Oil canola or vegetable
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil for sautéing
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo Pepper Flakes
  • 1 can Canned Diced Tomatoes fire-roasted recommended
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar to balance acidity
For the Yogurt Sauce
  • 1 cup Plant-Based Yogurt plain vegan
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Mint minced
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley minced
Optional Garnishes
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Leaves for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Mint optional
  • 1 small Red Onion finely minced

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • Paper Towel
  • Airtight Containers

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Sprinkle sliced eggplant with salt and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, then pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. Heat frying oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the eggplant slices in a single layer and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and tender. Place them on a towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
  3. In a saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cumin seeds; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, letting the mixture simmer to thicken for about 8 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, combine plant-based yogurt with lemon zest, garlic, minced mint, minced parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
  5. Begin by layering the herb yogurt at the bottom of a serving dish. Next, add the fried eggplant slices, followed by spooning the spiced tomato sauce generously over the top. Finish with the remaining yogurt for a delightful balance.
  6. This dish is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh herbs or finely minced red onion for an extra touch and flavor burst.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Drizzle with olive oil before serving for added richness. Store fried eggplant and tomato sauce separately to maintain texture.

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