What Is Borani Banjan?

Borani is a Persian term that refers to a category of yogurt-based dishes found across Iranian, Turkish, and Afghan cuisines. There are many variations, often featuring sautéed or cooked vegetables folded into or layered with yogurt.

Borani banjan consists of fried eggplant that is gently steamed in a rich tomato sauce and then layered over whisked yogurt. While borani banjan looks impressive, it’s fairly straightforward to make and quite pantry-friendly. I’ve been able to find the ingredients easily in every country I’ve lived in.

My friend Nur learned this recipe from her grandmother, who moved to Peshawar from Kabul. It has since become one of my go-to dishes for dinner parties. It’s also a total crowd-pleaser: mildly spiced, widely appealing, and a natural pairing with pulao and kebabs.