Vegan Mediterranean “Burger”
Let’s not pretend like every type of eater isn’t looking at this salivating. While it’s vegan, it’s also a crowd-pleaser. A thick-cut slice of breaded eggplant, dairy-free tzatziki, air-fried chickpeas…should I go on? Not only is it vegan, but it’s also healthy. And the chickpeas give it the protein it needs to both satisfy you and fill you up.
Vegan Mediterranean “Burger”
Classic Mediterranean flavors surround this burger made out of eggplant. It's light, flavorful, and satisfying. The perfect meal to showcase you know what you're doing when it comes to healthy, but cultural flavors. This recipe is for 1 single sandwich. Increase the amount of ingredcients depening on how many you're making!
Ingredients
Eggplant "Burger"
- 1 slice eggplant 1 inch thick, skin peeled off
- ⅛ cup italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 T flour
- 2 T water
- 2 T canola oil for frying
Vegan Tzatziki
- 1 ½ cup dairy-free yogurt I use the dairy-free Silk plain yogurt made with soy!
- ½ cucumber peeled
- ¼ cup fresh dill
- ⅛ cup fresh mint
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 T olive oil
- 1 T lemon juice
- ¼ t sea salt
- ¼ t pepper
Fried Chickpeas
- ¼ cup canned chickpeas
- pinch salt
- pinch pepper
- pinch paprika
- 1 t olive oil
Other
- bun of choice sub gluten-free for gluten-free recipe!
- ¼ cup arugula
Instructions
Eggplant
- Combine the flour and water in a bowl that your slice of eggplant can fit in.
- Add your breadcrumbs to a shallow dish or plate.
- Dip your slice of eggplant into the flour/water mixture. Make sure it's completely coated.
- Dip the same slice of eggplant into the breadcrumbs. Make sure it's completely coated on all sides.
- Heat your oil in a pan over medium/high heat.
- Add your coated slice of eggplant and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the breadcrumbs are golden.
- Set cooked eggplant on a plate lined with paper towel.
Vegan Tzatziki
- Grate the cucumber. Add the grated cucumber to a strainer and using your hand, over a sink, push the moisture out of the cucumber. Drain out as much excess water as you can.
- Add the cucumber, along with the rest of the tzatziki ingredients to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
Fried Chickpeas
- In a small bowl, combine all of the fried chickpea ingredients.
- Add everthing to an airfryer.
- At 370° cook the chickpeas for 10 minutes.
- Stir and repeat for an additional 10 minutes.
Assembly
- Toast your buns.
- Layers: bottom bun, tzatziki, arugula, eggplant, tzatziki, chickpeas, top bun.
