Delicious Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers

When it comes to mouthwatering, plant-based meals, few dishes can compare to Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers. This delicious recipe isn’t just a burger; it’s an experience that fuses tender aubergine with the hearty richness of black beans, creating a texture that mimics traditional pulled BBQ sandwiches. The allure of smoky BBQ sauce adds a tangy kick, making each bite feel indulgent yet guilt-free. Perfect for backyard cookouts or cozy dinners, these burgers promise satisfaction for both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Swiftly prepared and effortlessly customizable, these Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers offer an excellent opportunity for culinary creativity. Whether you prefer a classic bun or a whole-grain wrap, you can elevate your burger game with a variety of toppings, from crunchy pickles to creamy avocado. Its robust flavor profile will captivate your taste buds while providing a nutrient-rich alternative to meat-based burgers. If you’re seeking a healthy yet hearty meal that delights the palate, this recipe is your perfect pick.

Why You’ll Love This Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers

• Incredible Flavor: The marriage of smokiness from the BBQ sauce and the earthy tones of cumin creates an unforgettable taste.
• Plant-Based Goodness: This recipe is entirely vegan, making it a superb option for those following a plant-based diet.
• Quick and Easy: With straightforward preparation steps, you’ll have these comforting burgers ready in less than an hour.
• Versatile: These burgers are highly customizable! Switch up the toppings, serve them lettuce-wrapped, or pile on your favorite condiments.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious elements like aubergine and black beans, these burgers are not only tasty but healthy, offering fiber and essential nutrients.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into crafting these phenomenal burgers, ensuring your workspace and tools are set up for success is paramount. Start by gathering the necessary equipment, including a grill pan or standard frying pan — both work brilliantly for achieving that perfect outer crust on your burgers. If you’re opting for grilling, a medium-high heat is your friend to seal in those flavors and add a delightful char.

Next, have your food processor ready for chopping the aubergine, which is critical for achieving that ‘pulled’ texture. You’ll also need a mixing bowl for combining the ingredients and a spatula for thorough mixing and flipping the patties during cooking. Don’t forget measuring cups for the breadcrumbs and BBQ sauce, along with a cutting board for chopping the onion and garlic. By prepping your ingredients before you start cooking, you’ll create a smooth cooking experience and ensure that everything comes together seamlessly.

Ingredients

• Aubergine (Eggplant): 1 medium-sized, diced – Provides the ‘pulled’ texture and soaks up the BBQ sauce.
• Black Beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed – Adds protein and a hearty texture to the patty.
• Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup – Helps bind the mixture together for a firm texture.
• BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup – Brings a smoky, tangy flavor to the patties.
• Garlic Clove: 1, minced – Adds depth of flavor to the mixture.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
• Onion: 1 small, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and flavor to the patties.
• Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon – Provides warmth and a slight earthy flavor.
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds a smoky flavor to the burger.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste – For seasoning the burger mixture.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Equipment

Kick things off by preheating your grill pan or standard frying pan over medium heat. If you fancy grilling, heat your grill to a medium-high temperature for that perfect sear on the burgers. Ensuring your cooking surface is hot enough is critical as it allows for a great crust while cooking the patties.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

The magic of this recipe unfolds in your food processor. Start by pulsing the diced aubergine until it reaches a finely chopped consistency. Then, transfer the aubergine to a mixing bowl and add in the drained and rinsed black beans, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, chopped onion, cumin, paprika, and your desired amount of salt and pepper. Take a moment to mix everything until it’s well blended — the key here is to ensure every ingredient is evenly distributed for a consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

If you’re sautéing on the stovetop, drizzle the olive oil into the preheated pan, spreading it around to coat the bottom. For grilling, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the patties from sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the patties. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a round patty, gently pressing down to slightly flatten them. This not only helps them cook more evenly but gives that quintessential burger shape.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Now, cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Watching closely is crucial to achieve that crispy outside while keeping the interior deliciously soft and packed with flavor.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

After the cooking time is up, brush your patties with a little more BBQ sauce for an added layer of flavor. This final touch gives them a glossy finish and enhances the smoky BBQ punch that makes these burgers so irresistible.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, nestle the cooked patties onto buns and let your creativity flow with toppings! Choices like pickles, crisp lettuce, or creamy avocado can take your burger experience to the next level. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty vegan meal!

Variations

• Protein: Swap black beans with chickpeas or lentils for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers or corn to the patty mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spices: Experiment with chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a spicier kick, or try adding fresh herbs like cilantro for a fresh taste.

Cooking Notes

• Ensure the aubergine is well drained after chopping to prevent excess moisture in the patties.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
• Feel free to make the mixture ahead of time, refrigerate it, and cook the patties later on for a quick meal option.
• Leftover burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer shelf life.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the burgers with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete meal makeover.
• Top the burgers with avocado slices, fresh tomato, or your favorite hot sauce for an added flavor boost.

Tips

• Mix the ingredients well to bind everything together properly for perfect patty formation.
• Be creative with your toppings — adding coleslaw can bring an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
• Try grill marks on each patty by flipping it a quarter turn halfway through cooking.
• For an extra smoky flavor, consider smoking the aubergine before mixing it into the patty mixture.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 180 per burger
• Protein: 8 grams
• Sodium: 300 mg

FAQs

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients and form the patties ahead of time. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.

What can I use instead of BBQ sauce?

If you’re looking for alternatives, try teriyaki sauce or a homemade sauce with ketchup and liquid smoke for a delightful twist.

Can I freeze the burgers?

Yes! These burgers freeze really well. Just make sure to wrap them tightly, and they’ll last for up to three months in the freezer.

How do I know when the burgers are done?

The burgers should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, you can also check the internal temperature, which should be 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

In summary, Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers are not just a meal; they are an integral part of plant-based dining that does not compromise on flavor or texture. This recipe allows everyone to indulge in a classic BBQ experience minus the meat, making it an essential addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a dinner party, or a simple weeknight meal, these burgers are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or any variations you’ve tried in the comments below. Enjoy cooking, sharing, and most importantly, the eating!

Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers

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• Author: Alioui
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

A mouthwatering, plant-based burger experience that fuses tender aubergine with hearty black beans and smoky BBQ sauce.

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Ingredients

• Aubergine (Eggplant): 1 medium-sized, diced – Provides the ‘pulled’ texture and soaks up the BBQ sauce.
• Black Beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed – Adds protein and a hearty texture to the patty.
• Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup – Helps bind the mixture together for a firm texture.
• BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup – Brings a smoky, tangy flavor to the patties.
• Garlic Clove: 1, minced – Adds depth of flavor to the mixture.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
• Onion: 1 small, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and flavor to the patties.
• Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon – Provides warmth and a slight earthy flavor.
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds a smoky flavor to the burger.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste – For seasoning the burger mixture.

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Instructions

1. Kick things off by preheating your grill pan or standard frying pan over medium heat. If you fancy grilling, heat your grill to a medium-high temperature for that perfect sear on the burgers. Ensuring your cooking surface is hot enough is critical as it allows for a great crust while cooking the patties.
2. The magic of this recipe unfolds in your food processor. Start by pulsing the diced aubergine until it reaches a finely chopped consistency. Then, transfer the aubergine to a mixing bowl and add in the drained and rinsed black beans, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, chopped onion, cumin, paprika, and your desired amount of salt and pepper. Take a moment to mix everything until it’s well blended — the key here is to ensure every ingredient is evenly distributed for a consistent flavor in every bite.
3. If you’re sautéing on the stovetop, drizzle the olive oil into the preheated pan, spreading it around to coat the bottom. For grilling, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the patties from sticking.
4. Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the patties. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a round patty, gently pressing down to slightly flatten them. This not only helps them cook more evenly but gives that quintessential burger shape.
5. Now, cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Watching closely is crucial to achieve that crispy outside while keeping the interior deliciously soft and packed with flavor.
6. After the cooking time is up, brush your patties with a little more BBQ sauce for an added layer of flavor. This final touch gives them a glossy finish and enhances the smoky BBQ punch that makes these burgers so irresistible.
7. Finally, nestle the cooked patties onto buns and let your creativity flow with toppings! Choices like pickles, crisp lettuce, or creamy avocado can take your burger experience to the next level. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty vegan meal!

Notes

These burgers are perfect served with sweet potato fries or topped with fresh avocado and hot sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Protein: 8 g