"...I decided to be more adventurous. Maybe it was reading Turkish author Orhan Pamuk's novel 'Snow' that subconsciously led me to my recipe. Turkish cuisine is largely unfamiliar to the American diner, but it is varied, sensual and delicious. I prepared a classic dish from the Ottoman Empire, Hunkar Begendili Kofte. Kofte are meatballs and hunkar begendili, which translates as 'Sultan's Delight,' is a rich, smoky eggplant puree. This dish was a great favorite of my customers back in the days of Square One."
More:Smoking eggplant transports you to the Ottoman Empire
