Melt-in-Your-Mouth Hunkar Beyendi with Cheese

If you're looking for a rich, comforting, and utterly delicious dish, Hunkar Beyendi Aubergine with Cheese is the answer! This Turkish-inspired recipe combines tender, smoky aubergines (eggplants) with a creamy, cheesy sauce for a mouthwatering experience that’s sure to please.

Perfect as a side dish or a main course, Hunkar Beyendi is a fantastic way to elevate your cooking and impress your guests. The combination of smoky roasted aubergine, tangy lemon juice, and rich cheese creates a harmony of flavors that's both comforting and indulgent. Plus, it's easy to make with ingredients you can find at Mona's Farm.

Ingredients:

• 2 aubergines (eggplants)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 25g (1 oz) butter

• 2 level tablespoons flour

• 6 tablespoons hot milk

• 3 tablespoons grated cheese (Cheddar, Feta, or Mozzarella)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon chili pepper

  
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Aubergines: Start by making two or three slits in each aubergine with a sharp knife. This step is essential for roasting the eggplants, as it helps the heat penetrate the flesh more evenly. You can cook the aubergines over charcoal, on a grill, or in a hot oven until the skins are completely blackened, and the flesh feels tender to the touch. The smoky flavor from the roasting will give your dish a rich, savory depth.

2. Peel and Mash the Aubergines: Once the aubergines are cooked, allow them to cool down to a safe handling temperature. Then, peel off the skin, and reserve any tender flesh that comes off with it. Transfer the soft aubergine flesh into a saucepan, and use a fork to mash it. Add lemon juice to the mashed flesh and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and ensure the aubergine becomes creamy.

3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: While the aubergines are simmering, melt the butter in a separate pot. Once melted, add the flour and stir constantly as it cooks. Keep stirring until the flour turns a golden brown color, which will give the sauce a lovely nutty aroma. This forms the base for the creamy texture that will complement the aubergine.

4. Add Milk and Cheese: Gradually add the hot milk to the flour and butter mixture, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Once the mixture has thickened, gently stir in the mashed aubergines. The warmth of the milk and the aubergine will blend together, creating a luscious, velvety consistency.

5. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Finally, stir in the grated cheese of your choice—whether it's Cheddar, Feta, or Mozzarella—to add richness and flavor. Season with salt and a pinch of chili pepper for a bit of heat. Mix everything together until the cheese melts into the creamy aubergine, resulting in a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Hunkar Beyendi hot as a main dish or as a side to accompany grilled meats or hearty stews. The combination of smoky aubergine, creamy cheese, and the slight tang of lemon will make this dish a standout at any meal.

   
   

Why You’ll Love Hunkar Beyendi Aubergine with Cheese

This recipe is the perfect fusion of smoky and creamy, with just the right amount of seasoning to make every bite burst with flavor. The roasted aubergine provides a rich, earthy base, while the creamy cheese sauce adds a luxurious texture that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.

The lemon juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the cheese and butter, while the chili pepper gives it a subtle kick. Whether you’re serving it as a vegetarian main or as a side to a meat dish, Hunkar Beyendi is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Where to Find Your Ingredients

At Mona's Farm, we offer all the fresh ingredients you need for this recipe. From perfectly ripe auberginesto the highest quality butter, cheese, and spices, we’ve got everything to make your Hunkar Beyendi Aubergine with Cheese a success. We take pride in sourcing the freshest, most flavorful ingredients to help you create dishes that are both delicious and satisfying.

Plus, you’ll find a wide selection of Cheddar, Feta, and Mozzarella cheeses, so you can choose the perfect one for your dish. Whether you prefer a sharp Cheddar for richness, a creamy Mozzarella for meltiness, or a tangy Feta for a more pronounced flavor, we have it all!

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Hunkar Beyendi

• Roast the Aubergines Properly: The key to this dish is in the roasting of the aubergines. The charred skin gives the dish a smoky, deep flavor that can't be replicated with cooking methods like boiling or steaming. Make sure to roast them thoroughly until the skin is blackened, and the flesh is soft and tender.

• Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to mix and match cheeses to find your perfect combination. A mix of Cheddar and Mozzarella creates a creamy, melty texture, while Feta can add a nice tang to the dish.

• Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of chili pepper or add a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.

  
  

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with Grilled Meat: Hunkar Beyendi pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as lamb kebabs or roasted chicken, creating a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

• Enjoy with Flatbread or Rice: For a complete meal, serve with warm flatbread or a side of fluffy rice to soak up the creamy sauce.

• A Fresh Salad: A side of crisp, refreshing salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy yogurt dressing can balance out the richness of the dish.

  
  

Shop Now for Fresh Ingredients!

Ready to create this mouthwatering Hunkar Beyendi Aubergine with Cheese dish? Visit Mona's Farm today to pick up all the fresh, high-quality ingredients you need for this recipe. From cheese to aubergines, we’ve got everything to make your cooking experience easy and enjoyable.