Spicy Eggplant Burger

The Spicy Eggplant Burger is a flavorful vegan Turkish dish that combines grilled eggplant with a zesty spice mix and a creamy tahini sauce. Perfectly seasoned and served on a warm bun, it offers a delightful twist on traditional burgers.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium-sized (about 250g)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Whole wheat burger buns - 2
• Tahini - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, sliced
• Cucumber - 1 small, sliced

Steps

1. Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium heat.
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil.
4. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture onto both sides of the eggplant slices.
5. Grill the eggplant slices for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until tender and charred.
6. While the eggplant is grilling, prepare the tahini sauce by mixing tahini, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add water a teaspoon at a time until you reach a pourable consistency.
7. Once the eggplant is done, assemble the burgers by placing grilled eggplant on the bottom half of each bun.
8. Top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tahini sauce. Add chopped parsley for extra freshness.
9. Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 9 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.15 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants and beneficial phytochemicals from eggplant.
• High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.

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