I love veggie burgers. I simply can’t get enough of them. I eat a veggie burger in one form or another at least three times per week. If it’s in the shape of a patty and it’s wedged between two buns, pass it my way because it’s going in my belly. Because you and I are friends, I want to share something special with you. It’s my favorite veggie burger of all time.

I give you…Baked Eggplant Burgers! These burgers are savory, filling and addictive. They’re packed full of protein and vitamins. Above all else, they are delicious! I love to top them with tahini sauce and they are also fantastic when topped with hummus and dill pickles.

Makes 4 big burgers

Burger Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more to brush on eggplant before roasting
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 14 ounce can cannellini beans
• 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/2 an eggplant (should equal about 1 cup)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon pine nuts
• 1 clove of garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 cup classic hummus (or your favorite flavor hummus)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• tomato, sliced for topping (optional)
• lettuce, for topping (optional)

Preparation:

• To make the burgers, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Roast the eggplant by cutting it into 1/4″ slices and brushing each side with olive oil.
• Bake for 10 minutes on one side, then flip the slices and bake for another 5 minutes.
• Once the eggplant is done and you remove it from the oven, turn the oven down to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• While the eggplant is roasting, place the diced red onion and 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet and cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until the onions soften.
• Place the eggplant, onion, beans, bell pepper, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, sea salt and cumin into a large bowl.
• Add the hummus and stir.
• Place the mixture into a food processor and blend everything together. It should only take about 15 seconds.
• Pour the mixture back into a bowl, stir in the breadcrumbs, and use your hands to make four large patties.
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray the foil with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.
• Place the patties on the foil and bake for 45 minutes, turning once halfway through.
• Remove the burgers from the oven, add your preferred toppings and enjoy!