Eggplant burger

What goes in

• 1 large eggplant (about 400 g)
• 100 g all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 150 g Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 4 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
• 4 slices bacon or pancetta (about 60 g)
• 1 large tomato
• 1 red onion
• 100 g cheese (e.g., Gouda or mozzarella), sliced
• 2 burger buns

How to do it

1. 01

   Slice the eggplant into round slices about 1 cm thick.

2. 02

   Set up three plates: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.

3. 03

   Coat each eggplant slice in flour, then dip in egg, then press into breadcrumbs, covering both sides.

4. 04

   Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.

5. 05

   Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and continue cooking the eggplant for about 20 minutes, flipping occasionally.

6. 06

   In the last 5 minutes of cooking, top the eggplant slices with cheese, onion, tomato, and fried bacon or pancetta.

7. 07

   Meanwhile, toast the burger buns in a separate pan until lightly golden.

8. 08

   Assemble the burgers: place the eggplant 'patty' on the bottom bun, then cover with the top bun.

9. 09

   Serve immediately and enjoy.