Hünkar beğendi - sultan's lamb on aubergine

Hünkar beğendi literally means the sultan approved and according to legend was created in the Ottoman palace kitchen. It consists of braised lamb in tomato sauce on creamy aubergine puree.

The aubergine is charred over a flame, giving it a smoky flavour. The flesh is blended with bechamel, butter, and kaşar cheese into silky puree. It is topped with braised lamb in spiced tomato sauce. One of the most elegant dishes in Turkish cuisine.