Imam Bayildi

This is a Turkish speciality. Widely conflicting stories are told about the origins of its name. Some say that the dish acquired it when an imam or Turkish priest fainted with pleasure on being served these stuffed aubergines by his wife. Others believe that the imam fainted when he heard how expensive the ingredients were, and how much olive oil had gone into the making of the dish.

The dish is delightful and, in fact, not very expensive. It makes a splendid first cou