Turkish Lamb and Eggplant Casserole (Hünkâr Beğendi)

Hünkâr Beğendi is a classic dish in Mizrahi Jewish cuisine, featuring tender lamb stew served over a creamy eggplant puree. This rich and flavorful casserole is a perfect choice for a special occasion or a comforting family meal.

Kosher Main Course Mizrahi Jewish Mizrahi Jewish Lamb Eggplant Casserole
Turkish Lamb and Eggplant Casserole (Hünkâr Beğendi)

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds lamb stew meat, cut into cubes
  • 2 large eggplants
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prick the eggplants with a fork and roast them in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Let them cool, then peel and chop the flesh.
  3. In a large pot, brown the lamb cubes over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the lamb is tender.
  5. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
  6. Add the roasted eggplant to the sauce and mash them together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. To serve, spoon the creamy eggplant puree onto plates and top with the lamb stew. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
2 hours
Total time:
2 hours
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
450 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fat
30g

Supplies

Large pot Oven Saucepan Whisk

Tools

Fork Knife Cutting board

Serving suggestions

Serve the Hünkâr Beğendi with a side of fluffy rice or warm pita bread.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the lamb with mushrooms or chickpeas for a delicious alternative.

Cost

$25