"Hünkar Beğendi" translates to "Sultan's Delight," a fitting name for this exquisite Ottoman dish. It features tender lamb stewed in rich flavors, served atop a velvety bed of creamy, smoky eggplant puree. The dish has roots in the royal kitchens of the Ottoman Empire, where it was reportedly created to impress Sultan Abdülaziz. Legend has it that the Sultan enjoyed it so much that he declared it a favorite, hence the name "Sultan's Delight." Today, Hünkar Beğendi remains a beloved classic in Turkish cuisine, cherished for its indulgent flavors and regal heritage.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb (450g) lamb stew meat, cubed

- 2 large eggplants

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Olive oil for cooking

- Fresh parsley for garnish

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the eggplants with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.

2. While the eggplants are roasting, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lamb cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the lamb from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it darkens in color.

5. Return the browned lamb to the skillet. Pour in the broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 1-1.5 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened.

6. Once the eggplants are done roasting, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Peel off the charred skin and transfer the flesh to a bowl. Mash the eggplant with a fork or potato masher until smooth.

7. Place the mashed eggplant back in the skillet with the lamb stew. Stir well to combine and heat through.

8. Serve the Hünkar Beğendi hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Nutrition Value:-

1. Lamb stew meat (1 lb / 450g):

  - Calories: Approximately 1100 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Around 90g

  - Fat: Approximately 80g

  - Sodium: Varies depending on preparation

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 300mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin B12, niacin, and zinc

  - Minerals: Rich in iron and selenium

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides high-quality protein, iron for oxygen transport, zinc for immune function, and vitamin B12 for nerve health.

2. Eggplants (2 large):

  - Calories: Approximately 100 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Around 25g

  - Protein: Approximately 4g

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Varies depending on preparation

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin K, and B vitamins

  - Minerals: Rich in potassium and manganese

  - Nutritional benefits: High in fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, supporting digestion, heart health, and brain function.

3. Onion (1 onion):

  - Calories: Approximately 45 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Around 11g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Around 5mg

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate

  - Minerals: Rich in potassium and manganese

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides antioxidants, supports immune function, and may help lower blood sugar levels.

4. Garlic (3 cloves):

  - Calories: Approximately 15 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Around 3g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Around 1mg

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and selenium

  - Nutritional benefits: Known for its antimicrobial properties, may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

5. Tomato paste (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: Approximately 30 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Around 7g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Around 20mg

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium and manganese

  - Nutritional benefits: Good source of antioxidants like lycopene, may support heart health and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

6. Beef or vegetable broth (1 cup / 240ml):

  - Calories: Approximately 15-30 calories (depending on type)

  - Carbohydrates: Around 2-4g

  - Protein: Approximately 1-2g

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Varies depending on type and preparation

  - Cholesterol: Varies depending on type

  - Vitamins: May contain vitamin K, vitamin B12, and other B vitamins

  - Minerals: May contain potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides hydration, adds flavor, and may contain essential vitamins and minerals.

7. Salt and pepper:

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Use in moderation to taste

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Nutritional benefits: Enhances flavor, but excessive sodium intake may contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues.

8. Olive oil for cooking:

  - Calories: Approximately 120 calories per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Approximately 14g per tablespoon

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin E and vitamin K

  - Minerals: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants

  - Nutritional benefits: Healthy source of fats, may support heart health, and reduce inflammation.

9. Fresh parsley for garnish:

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A

  - Minerals: Contains iron, calcium, and potassium

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides antioxidants, supports bone health, and may aid digestion.

Remember that the nutritional values provided are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods and portion sizes.