Kaske Bademjan

This flavorful Iranian appetizer combines grilled or oven-roasted eggplants and kashk—a fermented by-product typically made with yogurt whey. The main ingredients are mashed until creamy, with the addition of sautéed onions, garlic, various spices such as turmeric or mint, and occasionally ground nuts. The dish is garnished with chopped walnuts, mint, and caramelized onions, as well as a small amount of kashk. Kashke bademjan is enjoyed as an appetizer, a dip, or occasionally the main course, and is best served with warm lavash bread on the side.