Turkish İmam Bayıldı Recipe - Fainting Imam Stuffed Eggplant
Experience the legendary Turkish dish İmam Bayıldı, featuring silky eggplants stuffed with a fragrant mixture of onions, tomatoes, and herbs in olive oil.
Share this Recipe
Share authentic Turkish recipes with your friends 🇹🇷
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Shopping List
- 3 whole Large eggplantsMedium-sized, firm and glossy
- 2 whole Large onionsThinly sliced
- 4 cloves Garlic clovesMinced fine
- 2 whole Large tomatoesPeeled and diced
- 3/4 cup Extra virgin olive oilHigh quality Turkish or Greek
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsleyChopped finely
- 1 cup Hot waterFor cooking liquid
- 1 tablespoon Tomato pasteTurkish concentrated paste
- 1 teaspoon SugarTo balance acidity
- 2 teaspoons SaltSea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepperFreshly ground
- 2 leaves Bay leavesFor aromatic cooking
Shopping Made Easy
Click on any ingredient to check it off your shopping list. Items will be crossed out when completed!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Peel eggplants in alternating strips, leaving some skin. Cut lengthwise slits without cutting through. Salt generously and let drain for 45 minutes.
Step 2
Rinse eggplants thoroughly and pat dry. Gently open slits and stuff with tissue paper to keep shape while frying.
Step 3
Heat olive oil in large pan. Fry eggplants until golden on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 4
In same oil, sauté sliced onions until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Step 5
Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook until tomatoes break down into sauce.
Step 6
Remove tissue from eggplants. Carefully stuff slits with onion-tomato mixture, packing gently but firmly.
Step 7
Arrange stuffed eggplants in deep pan. Add hot water, bay leaves, and remaining filling around eggplants.
Step 8
Cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes until eggplants are tender. Cool to room temperature before serving.
Congratulations!
You've successfully prepared an authentic Turkish dish. Enjoy your delicious creation!
About This Recipe
The Legend of İmam Bayıldı
İmam Bayıldı, literally meaning "the imam fainted," is one of Turkey's most beloved vegetarian dishes. Legend tells of an imam who fainted upon tasting this exquisite eggplant dish, overcome by its incredible flavor and aroma.
Traditional Preparation Method
This classic Ottoman dish requires patience and technique. The eggplants must be properly prepared to remove bitterness, then carefully stuffed with a aromatic mixture of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, all bound together with premium olive oil.
Selecting Perfect Eggplants
Choose medium-sized, firm eggplants with glossy skin and no brown spots. Turkish varieties work best, but Italian or Japanese eggplants are excellent substitutes. The eggplant should feel heavy for its size.
The Art of Olive Oil Cooking
İmam Bayıldı belongs to the "zeytinyağlı" category of Turkish cuisine - dishes cooked in olive oil and served at room temperature. Use the finest extra virgin olive oil for authentic flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about this recipe and cooking techniques.
Rate This Recipe
Be the first to rate this recipe!
Click to rate:
Want to share that you cooked this recipe?
Community Tips & Comments
0 commentsJoin the conversation!
No comments yet
Be the first to share your experience with this recipe!
More Turkish Recipes
Turkish Lokma Recipe - Traditional Honey-Soaked Sweet Dumplings
Learn to make authentic Turkish Lokma - crispy fried dough balls soaked in honey syrup. This traditional street food dessert is perfect for special occasions and gatherings.
Turkish İmam Bayıldı Recipe - Fainting Imam Stuffed Eggplant
Master the classic Turkish İmam Bayıldı recipe with perfectly tender eggplants stuffed with aromatic vegetables. Learn the traditional method that supposedly made an imam faint with pleasure.
Turkish Perde Pilaf Recipe - Ottoman Palace Rice with Chicken
Learn how to make traditional Turkish Perde Pilaf, an elegant Ottoman palace rice dish with chicken, almonds, and phyllo pastry. Complete recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Traditional Turkish Winter Dessert: Aşure (Noah's Pudding) Recipe
Learn to make traditional Turkish Aşure (Noah's Pudding), a symbolic winter dessert with 15+ ingredients. Perfect for December celebrations and Turkish culture.
Traditional Turkish Şiş Kebab Recipe - Marinated Lamb Skewers
Create perfect Turkish şiş kebab with our authentic recipe. Learn traditional marination techniques, proper grilling methods, and serving suggestions for tender lamb skewers.
Authentic Adana Kebab Recipe - Spicy Turkish Ground Meat Kebab
Master authentic Adana kebab with our traditional recipe. Learn proper meat preparation, spice blending, and grilling techniques for perfect Turkish spicy kebab.
Authentic Turkish Dolma Recipe – Stuffed Vegetables with Olive Oil
Learn how to make authentic Turkish dolma with fresh vegetables, rice, olive oil, and herbs. A light and flavorful Mediterranean dish perfect for any occasion.
Authentic Turkish Kuru Patlıcan Dolması - Stuffed Dried Eggplants
Learn how to make traditional Turkish Kuru Patlıcan Dolması, a savory dish of sun-dried eggplants stuffed with rice, ground beef or lamb, onions, and spices.
Authentic Turkish Güveç Recipe – Slow-Cooked Casserole
Learn how to make traditional Turkish güveç, a hearty slow-cooked casserole with meat, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Step-by-step instructions for authentic flavors.
Authentic Turkish Sütlaç Recipe – Creamy Rice Pudding
Discover the traditional Turkish sütlaç, a creamy rice pudding made with milk, rice, and sugar. A comforting Ottoman dessert enjoyed warm or chilled.
Authentic Turkish Yaprak Sarma Recipe – Turkish Stuffed Grape Leaves Recipe
Learn how to make traditional Turkish Yaprak Sarma with tender grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and spices. Step-by-step instructions for perfect results.
Authentic Turkish Yayla Soup Recipe – Turkish Yogurt Soup with Mint and Rice
Warm up with Yayla Çorbası, a traditional Turkish yogurt soup made with rice, mint, and butter. A creamy and tangy classic from Anatolian cuisine.
Authentic Turkish Çökertme Kebab Recipe – Bodrum Style Crispy Fries with Beef Strips
Discover Çökertme Kebab, a specialty from Bodrum: crispy matchstick fries topped with marinated beef strips, garlic yogurt, and tomato sauce. A unique and delicious Turkish kebab recipe.
Authentic Turkish Hünkarbeğendi Recipe – Sultan’s Delight
Learn how to cook authentic Turkish Hünkarbeğendi, a royal Ottoman dish of smoky eggplant purée topped with tender lamb stew. A step-by-step guide to this rich and flavorful classic.
Turkish Tea Recipe – How to Brew Traditional Çay
Learn how to make Turkish tea (çay) using a double teapot. Discover the secrets of brewing the perfect strong and fragrant black tea, served in iconic tulip-shaped glasses.
Turkish Döner Kebab Recipe - Authentic Homemade Doner
Learn to make authentic Turkish döner kebab at home with marinated meat, spices, and traditional serving style.
Traditional Turkish Coffee Recipe - UNESCO Heritage Method
Master authentic Turkish coffee with this UNESCO-recognized traditional recipe. Perfect foam technique, cultural significance, and step-by-step brewing guide.
Authentic Turkish Bazlama Recipe - Soft Village Flatbread
Make authentic Turkish Bazlama flatbread at home. Soft, pillowy bread perfect for wrapping kebabs or dipping. Traditional Anatolian village recipe included.
Authentic Turkish Meze Platter - Traditional Appetizer Collection
Master traditional Turkish meze platter with 8 authentic appetizers. Complete guide with hummus, dolma, cacik and more. Perfect for entertaining guests.
Authentic Turkish Pide Recipe - Traditional Boat Bread
Master authentic Turkish Pide with this traditional recipe. Learn to make perfect boat-shaped bread with various toppings. Includes cultural tips and techniques.
Traditional Turkish Simit Recipe - Istanbul's Famous Sesame Bread Ring
Learn to make authentic Turkish Simit with this traditional recipe. Perfect sesame-crusted bread rings like those sold on Istanbul streets. Includes molasses technique.
Traditional Turkish Breakfast (Kahvaltı) - Complete Authentic Guide & Recipes
Master authentic Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) with this complete guide. Learn traditional recipes, cultural customs, and how to create the perfect Turkish morning feast at home.
Authentic Ezogelin Soup Recipe - Traditional Turkish Red Lentil Soup
Learn to make authentic Ezogelin Soup, Turkey's most beloved red lentil soup with bulgur, rice, and aromatic spices. A heartwarming traditional recipe from Gaziantep.
Authentic Turkish Karnıyarık Recipe – Stuffed Eggplant with Ground Beef
Master the art of Turkish karnıyarık, a beloved Ottoman-inspired dish of tender eggplants stuffed with spiced ground beef and vegetables. Step-by-step instructions for perfect results.
Authentic Turkish Baklava Recipe - Traditional Ottoman Dessert with Pistachios
Master authentic Turkish baklava with this detailed recipe. Learn traditional Ottoman techniques, perfect phyllo layering, and honey syrup secrets for restaurant-quality results.
Master Turkish Cuisine
Discover more authentic Turkish recipes and cooking techniques.