How to Make Mirza Ghasemi: A Traditional Northern Persian Dish

Mirza Ghasemi is a flavorful, comforting dish from the northern region of Iran, particularly beloved in Gilan. Growing up, this smoky, garlicky blend of eggplant, tomatoes, and eggs was a favorite in our family. It’s a versatile dish perfect for any occasion and is loved for its rich taste and simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 8 Italian eggplants (or 4 Chinese eggplants)

• 5 tomatoes

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1/4 cup canola oil

• 3 eggs

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 1 teaspoon butter or ghee

Method:

1. Prepare the Eggplants:

Start by grilling or roasting the eggplants. Grilling them over an open flame adds a smoky depth, but if that’s not possible, bake them in the oven at 350°F for around 30 minutes. (Tip: Poke a few holes in the eggplants with a fork or knife to help them cook faster and more evenly.)

2. Peel and Chop the Eggplants:

Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin, then finely chop them with a knife until they reach a smooth, mashed consistency.

3. Peel and Dice the Tomatoes:

Bring a pot of water to a boil, then blanch the tomatoes for about 10 seconds before running them under cold water. This makes it easy to peel off the skin. Once peeled, chop the tomatoes into small pieces.

4. Cook the Garlic and Tomatoes:

In a sauté pan, heat the canola oil over low heat. Add minced garlic and turmeric, letting the garlic infuse the oil with its aroma. Next, add the chopped tomatoes, and cook for a few minutes until they soften.

5. Combine the Ingredients:

Add the eggplant to the pan along with the cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together over medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to meld as the mixture cooks down for around an hour. Stir regularly to keep everything evenly combined, using the back of a spoon to gently mash any larger pieces.

6. Add the Eggs:

Crack the eggs directly into the center of the mixture and cook until they’re set. You can stir the eggs into the mixture if you prefer a more blended texture or leave them whole.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Your Mirza Ghasemi is now ready to serve! Pair it with warm bread or rice, and enjoy the traditional taste of northern Iran. Nooshe Joon!