Sabzi (Pureed Spinach with Spices) recipe

This is Afghan cuisine.

1 pound chopped, fresh spinach
3/4 cup black-eyed peas
1 onion
1 sun-dried lemon (or dried, crushed lemon pieces)
1 tablespoon fresh garlic, chopped
1/2 fresh lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
10 leaves fresh cilantro

Soak the black-eyed peas for 1 hour, then rinse. Boil spinach with washed black-eyed peas for 10 minutes.

At the same time, in a saucepan, fry diced onion in vegetable oil until soft and light brown. Add the garlic and fry for 2 more minutes. Add boiled and drained spinach and black-eyed peas. Add dried lemon and fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper and chopped cilantro. Mix well, cook an additional 5 minutes and serve on a long platter.

Pairs well with fresh bread or white rice.

Source: Ariana Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA - owner Kadir Sultani

Chalow Badenian (Sauteed Eggplant) recipe

Source: Ariana Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA - owner Kadir Sultani

2 whole eggplants, cubed into chunks
1 onion
1/2 tablespoon fresh garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 whole tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste (for added color)
1/2 green or red bell pepper, diced
2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Peel and cube eggplant and set aside.

In a saucepan, fry diced onion with vegetable oil. After a few minutes, add garlic and turmeric, mix for additional 2 or 3 minutes. Add whole chopped tomato, tomato paste and diced pepper.

Mix well, then add 2 cups warm water. Add salt and pepper, then all of the eggplant. Cover the pan and simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes. Remove cover and test eggplant to be sure it has softened.

Serve in a large bowl, garnished with a cup of plain yogurt that has been mixed with fresh garlic and a pinch of salt.

Pairs well with white basmati rice.

Horsey Sauce recipe

1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons bottled horseradish cream sauce
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Mix all well. Keep refrigerated, tightly covered. Will keep up to 2 weeks. DO NOT FREEZE!