Name: Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
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.

Description

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

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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