Kashke bademjan is the eggplant dip of Persia, a deeply savory spread of roasted eggplant, garlic, and kashk, the salty fermented whey that Iranians love. It appears on tables everywhere, from casual family dinners to restaurant spreads, always with warm flatbread for scooping. The crowning touch is a tangle of golden fried onions and sizzling mint oil poured over the top. The name simply means eggplant with whey, but the blend of smoky, sweet, salty, and tangy has earned it a permanent place on Persian menus.
Silky and smoky with a salty, tangy bite
The eggplant is silky and smoky with a hint of garlic, and the kashk gives it a sharp, salty tang that wakes up the whole dish. Crispy onions add crunch and sweetness, while the mint oil perfumes every scoop. Serve it warm with sangak or pita, and do not be shy with the bread. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days and only deepens in flavor, so do not be afraid to make extra.
Craving more? Explore all Persian / Iranian Kitchen recipes.
This dish is built from Middle Eastern pantry staples — explore all 20 in our guide to 20 essential Middle Eastern pantry ingredients.


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