The Turkey and Grilled Eggplant Burger is a culinary creation that brings a lighter, yet robustly flavored alternative to the table.
This gourmet burger, featuring a juicy turkey patty and smoky slices of grilled eggplant, is an embodiment of rustic charm and contemporary taste. The leaner turkey meat, seasoned with herbs and spices, provides a perfect base for the rich, creamy texture of the eggplant, creating a delightful interplay of flavors and textures.
Served on a toasted bun with a spread of herbed aioli and crisp greens, this burger is not only satisfying but also has a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients:
For the Turkey Patties:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for grilling
For the Grilled Eggplant:
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Additional:
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns, halved and toasted
- 4 tablespoons herbed aioli or mayonnaise
- Mixed salad greens or arugula
- Optional: Slices of tomato, red onion, and feta cheese
Preparation:
Preparing the Turkey Patties:
- In a bowl, mix together the ground turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Form into 4 equal-sized patties.
- Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Grill the patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Grilling the Eggplant:
- Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until tender and grill marks appear.
Assembling the Burger:
- Spread herbed aioli on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Place a generous amount of mixed greens on top of the aioli.
- Lay a grilled turkey patty on the greens.
- Top the patty with grilled eggplant slices.
- If using, add slices of tomato, onion, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
- Finish with the top half of the bun.
Serving:
- This burger is ideally served fresh off the grill, with the eggplant warm and tender. It can be accompanied by a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh Greek salad to complement the flavors.
Time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Serves:
- This recipe yields 4 wholesome Turkey and Grilled Eggplant Burgers.
Description:
Each Turkey and Grilled Eggplant Burger is a celebration of healthful ingredients coming together in a harmonious blend. The heartiness of the turkey is perfectly matched by the subtle, smoky sweetness of the eggplant, with the herbed aioli adding a layer of richness that ties the whole burger together.
Whether you’re looking for a lighter burger option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or a dish that will impress at your next barbecue, this burger is sure to delight the palate and leave guests savoring each bite. It’s a contemporary twist on the classic burger that will make you rethink what you know about this iconic dish.
