The Story Behind Hünkar Beğendi

In the 19th century, during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, the Ottoman palace hosted Napoleon III of France. Although he could not attend, his wife Empress Eugénie visited Istanbul with her royal chefs.

During her stay, French and Ottoman palace chefs cooked side by side. When the French chefs prepared their famous béchamel sauce (roux), Ottoman chefs experimented by combining it with smoky grilled eggplant purée. The result was served with lamb stew and became the legendary Hünkar Beğendi, meaning 'The Sultan Liked It.'

Eggplant Purée Ingredients

• 4 large eggplants (approx. 1 kg / 2.2 lbs)
• 4 tablespoons plain flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons cream
• A pinch of grated nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste — 4 tablespoons grated goat cheese

Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Ingredients

• 1 kg minced meat (50% beef, 50% lamb recommended)
• 1 cup fine bulgur
• 1 tablespoon red pepper paste
• 1 egg
• A bunch of parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make Eggplant Purée (Beğendi)

1. Grill the eggplants over charcoal for the best smoky flavor. Alternatively, bake at 180°C for 45 minutes (pierce before baking).
2. Peel and finely chop or mash the eggplants.
3. Melt butter in a pan, add flour, and stir until golden.
4. Slowly add milk while stirring, then mix in nutmeg.
5. Add the eggplant and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in cream, remove from heat, and add grated goat cheese.

You'll get a silky, smoky purée — the signature base of this dish.

How to Make Meatballs

1. Mix onion, garlic, egg, bulgur, and red pepper paste. Knead until smooth.
2. Add minced meat and parsley, then knead until well combined.
3. Shape into small meatballs (about 2–3 cm wide).
4. Bring tomato sauce to a boil.
5. Add meatballs and simmer on medium heat for 25–30 minutes.

Serving Suggestion

Serve the rich, creamy eggplant purée on a plate and top with hot, juicy meatballs in tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Authentic Ottoman Palace cuisine
• Perfect fusion of French and Turkish cooking techniques
• Smoky eggplant + creamy béchamel + hearty meatballs
• Ideal for fine dining experiences at home

Afiyet olsun! Enjoy this royal dish that blends history, culture, and flavor in every bite.