Mirza Ghassemi

Mirza Ghassemi is an eggplant specialty that hails from the Gilan province of Iran. The dish is prepared with eggplants that are first grilled or charred on an open flame before they are finely chopped and combined with tomatoes, garlic, and turmeric. Finally, eggs are added to blend all the ingredients. Mirza Ghassemi can be prepared in a pan, or as a casserole-dish. It was invented by Mohammad Ghasem Khan, who was once the head of the Gilan province and an Iranian ambassador in Russia. This simple but flavorful dish can be enjoyed as an appetizer when it is usually accompanied by flatbread or as a side dish with rice.