When the aroma of roasted walnuts and tangy pomegranate molasses fills the house, I am instantly transported back to the shores of the Caspian Sea back to Gilan, the lush, green, rain-kissed province of northern Iran where I spent my summer holidays. I can still see myself standing barefoot on the beach, feeling the cool ocean breeze on my face, while the waves gently crashed in the background and clay pots simmered softly in the kitchen. For me, that unique combination of fresh herbs, rich roasted walnuts, and sour pomegranate is the true taste of Gilan.
Shish Andaz-e Bademjan (شش انداز بادنجان) – vegan eggplants in a creamy walnut and pomegranate sauce is one of my absolute favorite dishes from this special region. Tender, pan-fried eggplants are gently braised in a velvety walnut sauce balanced with tangy pomegranate molasses. The result is a deeply aromatic, sweet-and-sour, naturally plant-based eggplant stew that captures the soul of Northern Iranian cuisine.
If you love Persian food and are already familiar with recipes like vegan Fesenjan or classic Fesenjan with lamb, Shesh Andaz is a must-try. This savory eggplant dish is a delicious celebration of how rich, unique, and vibrant the flavors of Gilan truly are.
