What is Mirza Ghassemi? Mirza Ghassemi is a smoky Persian dish of grilled eggplant, tomato, garlic and egg. First, cooks char the eggplant until soft and smoky. Then they mash it with sautéed garlic and tomato. Next, they fold in a beaten egg. As a result, the dish turns rich, savoury and deeply comforting.
In this guide, we explain where the dish comes from and how it is made. We also cover its taste and how to serve it. Finally, we show you where to enjoy it in Kuala Lumpur.
Where does Mirza Ghassemi come from?
The dish hails from northern Iran. In fact, it is a specialty of the Gilan region by the Caspian Sea. There, garlic and smoky eggplant are much loved. Over time, the recipe spread across the country. So it is now a Persian favourite everywhere.
What goes into it?
The list of ingredients is short and honest. Cooks use eggplant, tomato, garlic and egg. Then they add turmeric, salt and a little oil. That is really all it takes. So the smoky flavour does the heavy lifting.
How Mirza Ghassemi is made
The secret is in the smoke. First, the eggplant is grilled over flame until charred. Then the soft flesh is peeled and mashed. Next, it simmers with garlic, tomato and turmeric. Finally, a beaten egg is stirred through. So the result is silky and full of flavour.
What does it taste like?
The flavour is smoky, garlicky and savoury. Meanwhile, the tomato adds a gentle sweetness. The texture is soft, almost like a warm dip. Because it is so rich, a little goes a long way. So it satisfies without being heavy.
How to serve Mirza Ghassemi
This dish is wonderfully flexible. Enjoy it warm with fresh flatbread to scoop. Meanwhile, it also pairs well with steamed rice. It sits happily among a spread of small sharing plates. So it works as a starter or a light main.
Is it vegetarian?
Almost. The classic recipe is meat-free but does include egg. So it suits vegetarians who eat eggs. Meanwhile, it is naturally free of any meat. So it is a great choice for a lighter table.
Where to try Mirza Ghassemi in Kuala Lumpur
Fancy a taste of smoky eggplant? Then try it at Lalezar, a halal Turkish, Mediterranean and Persian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy it with warm bread and a plate of creamy hummus. So explore the full Lalezar menu, or find your nearest branch. We welcome you across three locations: Ampang, USJ Heights and Centrepoint Bandar Utama.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mirza Ghassemi in simple terms?
Simply put, it is a smoky Persian dish of grilled eggplant cooked with tomato, garlic and egg, served warm with bread or rice.
Is it the same as baba ganoush?
No. Both use smoky eggplant, but this Persian dish adds tomato and egg, giving it a richer, softer texture.
What do you eat with it?
Warm flatbread is the classic partner. It also goes beautifully with steamed rice or a few mezze plates.