"The Imam fainted." Aubergines (US: eggplants) sliced and stewed in oil with tomatoes, onions and spices and eaten cold. Extremely rich. There is debate about whether the Imam fainted because he was overwhelmed by the splendour of the flavour, because his stomach, generally fed meanly, was overwhelmed by the richness of the food, or whether he fainted with horror at the extravagance of the ingredients.