Quinoa & Kale Eggplant Burgers Recipe

Serves 4

For the eggplant buns:

2 eggplants, sliced

2 tbsp olive oil

For the burgers:

5 oz. (140g) quinoa

1¼ cups (300ml) vegetable broth

3.5 oz. (100g) kale, stalks removed & leaves roughly chopped

3 tbsp. olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

½ cup (50g) sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained

2 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped

To Serve:

2 tomatoes, sliced

1 red onion, sliced handful arugula

4 tbsp. burger sauce of choice

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
Place the slices of eggplant on the baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil and bake in the hot oven for 15 minutes.
Place the quinoa and vegetable broth in a pot, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Take off the heat and set aside to cool.
Bring a separate pot of water to the boil. Add the kale and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, then drain well and squeeze out excess water.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a small skillet over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until the onion has softened. Place the onion mixture into a large bowl along with the cooked quinoa and kale. Add the sun dried tomatoes and basil and mix well to combine. Using your hands, form the mixture into 8 even-sized burgers.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over a medium heat. Working in batches, fry the burgers for 5 minutes on each side, until crisp and golden.
To assemble the burgers, use 2 slices of eggplant as buns, add the sliced tomato, red onion and arugula and top with your favorite burger sauce.