Eggplant Burger
Eggplant is such a versatile and healthy vegetable. There are so many ways it can be prepared – there is sure to be a recipe to please even the fussiest eaters. Depending on how the eggplant is cooked within a recipe, it may be necessary to salt it before using. This removes some of the bitterness. Eggplants can be sliced and lightly salted and layered in a colander for about 30 minutes to drain. I have found that slicing and placing it in a bowl of salted water also works well.
For this easy burger recipe, there is no need to pre-salt the eggplant.
It is important however to cook down the eggplant until all the water has been absorbed and to let the mixture rest between paper towels to ensure most of the moisture is gone.
Try this simple vegetarian burger option – you won’t be disappointed. The bulk of the work is with the fine chopping but a food processor or chopper can easily be used.
Eggplant Burgers
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants, very finely chopped
-
1 cup finely chopped green/red/yellow pepper
(use any combination or what you have on hand) - 1 cup finely chopped white or yellow onion (shallots or leek also work well)
- 1 extra large egg
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cups italian breadcrumbs
- freshly chopped parsley or basil
- salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
- Finely chop the onion and peppers. I use the Starfit hand chopper which works very well and makes it super quick.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan and add the onion and peppers. Slowly cook for about 3 minutes until they start to soften
- Meanwhile peel the eggplant and also finely chop. Add to the pan and cook over low heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add garlic powder and paprika. (Note that you can varythe spicing based on what you like - cumin, chili flakes, oregano all work well).
- Slowly cook until the eggplant is nicely browned and almost crisp. Most of the moisture should be absorbed. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Place the hot mixture on a paper towel lined baking sheet and cover with another towel to absorb any remaining water. Let the mixture cool.
- Place the cooled mixture in a bowl. Add egg, cheeses, parsley and bread crumbs. Stir until well combined. Form into patties. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan and lightly fry the patties. Keep an eye on them because the eggplant will caramelize quickly. These patties can also be baked in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.
- Enjoy these dressed with your favorite toppings . Give them a try with our homemade buns!
- Homemade Hamburger Buns
