Chanakhi with eggplants: how to cook a flavorful dish in the oven

Chanakhi is a traditional Caucasian dish that combines the rich taste of meat, vegetables and aromatic greens. It is not just a hearty treat, but also a way to reveal the richness of natural ingredients. The eggplant recipe is ideal for a family dinner or a meeting with friends.

Ingredients:

500 g lamb pulp
5 eggplants
4 onions
5 tomatoes
5 cloves of garlic
4 sprigs of parsley
4 sprigs of basil
salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: preparing the meat
The first step is to clean the lamb from films and sinews. Cut the meat into long pieces so that it cooks evenly. Place it on the bottom of a clay pot or a saucepan with a thick bottom to preserve the juiciness and aroma.

Step 2: adding onions
Cut the onion into half rings. It will add sweetness and tenderness to the dish, creating a base for further flavor accents. Place the onion half rings on top of the meat.

Step 3: garlic and herbs
Garlic will add piquancy to the dish, and herbs will add freshness. Coarsely chop the garlic cloves and chop the parsley and basil. Mix them together so that the flavors combine, and spread this mixture over the onions.

Step 4: preparing the eggplants
Wash the eggplants and remove the stalks. If desired, you can cut off the skin if you find it rough. Cut the vegetables into large pieces and place them on a layer of herbs. They will absorb the meat juice and become incredibly soft.

Step 5: adding tomatoes
Tomatoes will add a slight sourness to the dish and make it juicy. Cut them into large pieces and place them on top of the eggplants. Don't forget to salt and pepper the dish to emphasize the taste of each ingredient.

Step 6: simmering in the oven
Cover the pot or pan with a lid and place in an oven preheated to 200°C. Simmer the dish for about two hours. This process allows all the ingredients to fully open up, and the meat to become tender and aromatic.

The finished chanakhi can be served directly in the pot, which will emphasize its homey coziness and traditionality. The dish goes perfectly with bread or fresh flatbread. This recipe is not only easy to make, but also amazes with its taste and aroma.