Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Vegan Eggplant Patties:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if necessary)
- 1/4 cup flour (chickpea flour for extra flavor or any preferred flour)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or dried parsley)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk (or water, to help bind)
- Olive oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Prepare the eggplant:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the eggplant into cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes, until soft and golden brown. Let it cool slightly.
- Mash the eggplant:
- Once the eggplant is roasted and cool enough to handle, use a fork or potato masher to mash it into a smooth paste. Set aside.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the patty mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed eggplant, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, flour, nutritional yeast, parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, and plant-based milk. Stir well to combine. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if it’s too dry, add a splash of plant-based milk.
- Form patties:
- Take a small amount of the mixture (about 2 tbsp) and form it into a round patty, about 1/2-inch thick. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
- Cook the patties:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a little oil to coat the bottom.
- Carefully place the patties into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your pan.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the patties warm with a side of vegan yogurt, avocado, or a salad.
Tips:
- You can also bake the patties instead of frying for a lighter option: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the patties for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add your favorite herbs and spices to personalize the flavor.
- Serve with a delicious dipping sauce like tahini or a vegan tzatziki!
Enjoy your vegan eggplant patties! They’re great as a main dish, snack, or even a sandwich filling.
