…
Ali the Gentleman: No, you first please…
Other the Gentleman: No, no please monsieur you first
Ali the Gentleman: I insist sir, please after you…
…
Anonymous Storyteller

This very special and delicious dish coming from the south eastern region of Anatolia represents a gentle but an effective collaboration of eggplant, yogurt and garlic tastes; and not to forget the carefully crafted ground meat which would be served on top of this exquisite puree to double up the pleasures.
The balance of all the elements in puree creates a unique sensation to attack the person’s plate and forget all about the gentleman’s code.

Ali the Gentleman (2-4 person)
Eggplant Puree:
4 eggplants
1,5 cups yogurt
2-3 garlic cloves
spices (spanish smoked paprika ‘pimenton’, black pepper, oregano, ground cumin, etc.)
salt to taste
butter to embrace

If you have a gas stove, grill the eggplants until they become dark and soft. If not, wrap the eggplants to aluminum foil and put them to the top level of the oven at the highest temperature for at least half an hour (or until they get really soft). Peel them like a gentleman while they are still hot (!) and chop them extremely finely, almost mashed, with the help of a good knife. Add yogurt and crushed garlic and mix them until you obtain a nice puree. Season it with spices of your choice.
Before serving top it up with melted butter and some paprika. Bon appetit!

Additional inspiration: you can serve together with grilled meat.