Quick Fix: Eggplant Burger

After a  hot and muggy day, I really didn't feel like cooking. Especially after a major holiday, however, I was googling things to do with burgers and I remembered I had a big eggplant in my fridge. I thought, hey, why not make an eggplant burger, that would prevent me from having to walk out to the grocer again, and I could eat something that is good for me. At least, it is homemade and would be my first attempt. 

I have to say, I didn't expect my eggplant burger to be so yummy and good but it was. Imagine, the melting of cheese on a grilled eggplant, with sauteed onions, on a soft hamburger bun. I only wished I had some spinach or argula to place on my burger. But I definitely enjoyed and it was a great change in my diet, as I've never eaten an eggplant burger. 

This is a quick fix and should only take you a few minutes to prepare.

Eggplant Burger 

1/3 of a large eggplant
1/2 cup of onions or assorted peppers
1 tsp of shredded cheese
1-2 slices of a fresh tomato
1-2 hamburger buns
Fat free canola spray or 1 tbls of Canola (w/Omega 3 6 9 blend)
1 garlic clove

How to Prepare: 

1. Saute one garlic clove chopped up slightly with the onions in a pan, with one tsp of sugar to help carmelize, for 5-8 minutes. 
2. Set aside the sauteed onions and cloves or place on the hamburger buns. 
3. Wash your eggplant and cut up 1/3 of it, then place on a grill or fry in a pan. Use fat free spray or the canola/olive/soy oil blend (smart balance has a great one to use). Cook on medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes. While it is cooking you can use any seasoning, I used garlic powder for mines. After it has cooked down, add the shredded cheese, place heat on low so it will not burn. 
4. When it is ready, transfer to the buns. 
5. Add your own condiments ( I used barbecue sauce, but you can do a mayo/garlic blend or use mustard and ketchup). 
6. Serve on the hamburger bun with any lettuce (for nutritional value, try argula or romaine lettuce)
7. ENJOY! 

This is low cost meal: Eggplants in my neighborhood, cost $1.00 on most days and the hamburger bun cost under $1.60. Most regular grocery stores might charge slightly higher rates but there is a great value in using the eggplant. Also, most hamburger buns do not cost that much, in the future, I will use whole wheat as a better option than the white buns I used.. Also, try mozzarella cheese. Try different seasonings. I may try this again later in the week. The fat content in the burger is higher with the oil, so on a second try, I will use the fat free spray instead. If you have the George Foreman grill, this might work. I pan fried mines. 

(c) 2012 by Pam Osbey