Authentic Hünkar Beğendi Recipe Istanbul, Turkiye

Name: Hünkar beğendi
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 2 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: FOR THE LAMB STEW (tas kebab); 100g (3.5 oz) butter or clarified butter; 750g (1.6 lbs) lamb, trimmed and cubed; 2 large onions, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 tsp tomato paste; ¼ tsp black peppercorns; 1 tsp salt; 1 L (4 cups + 4 tsp) water; 2 medium tomatoes, deseeded and finely chopped; FOR THE BEĞENDI (eggplant puree); 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) seedless, long eggplants; 50g (1.75 oz) butter or clarified butter; 50g (1.75 oz) all-purpose flour; 750 ml (3 cups + 3 tbsp) milk; 1⁄2 tsp salt; 90g (3 oz) mature cheddar cheese (kaşar), grated; a pinch of grated nutmeg to flavor