Description
These Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers offer a delicious vegetarian alternative to traditional meat burgers, featuring smoky grilled aubergine combined with black beans and barbecue sauce. Perfectly spiced and baked until tender, they’re served in toasted buns with optional fresh toppings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 large aubergines, pricked all over with a fork
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 heaped tsp garlic granules
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp demerara sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 5 tbsp barbecue sauce
- 400g can black beans, drained
- 4 burger buns, toasted and lightly buttered
Optional Toppings and Sides
- Red onion or pink pickled onion
- Shredded lettuce
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
Instructions
- Grill the Aubergines: Heat the grill to high. Prick the aubergines all over with a fork, then place them under the grill. Turn occasionally and cook until the skin is blackened and the flesh is soft throughout, about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Sauté the Onions: While aubergines are cooling, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and fry gently, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Aubergine Mixture: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Once the aubergines are cool enough to handle, peel off and discard the skin, or scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Add the aubergine flesh to the pan with the onions. Stir in the garlic granules, smoked paprika, demerara sugar, dried oregano, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Cook and stir until the spices are aromatic.
- Add Sauce and Beans and Bake: Mix in the 5 tablespoons of barbecue sauce and the drained black beans. Stir everything together thoroughly. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake until the sauce thickens and the aubergine mixture resembles pulled pork in texture, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spoon the pulled aubergine and black bean mixture into the toasted burger buns. Top with red onion or pink pickled onion, shredded lettuce, or any other desired toppings. Serve with optional sides such as coleslaw and corn on the cob for a complete meal.
Notes
- Pricking the aubergines before grilling helps them cook evenly and speeds up softening.
- Be sure to use a barbecue sauce you enjoy, as it shapes the flavor of the dish.
- If you prefer a spicier burger, add chili powder or fresh chili flakes to the aubergine mixture.
- For a vegan version, use vegan burger buns and skip the butter on the buns or substitute with a vegan spread.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead; simply reheat the aubergine mixture before assembling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Burger
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vegetarian British
Keywords: Pulled BBQ aubergine burger, black bean burger, vegetarian burger recipe, smoky aubergine, meatless burgers, barbecue vegetarian meal
