Eggplant Turkey Burgers - a perfect addition to your summer BBQs!

Eggplant is absolutely one of those veggies you look at in the grocery store and either know exactly what you want to make with it ... or just keep on going past wondering, "who actually buys those things", right?? :) 

I've made this recipe a LOT during the last year, but when a friend in my fitness group shared a similar recipe the other night, I was inspired to make it this week! :)  

Since I've always loved the taste & texture of eggplant, especially grilled, I couldn't wait to make this recipe again! ​​

And I also love turkey burgers in the summertime, so the combo of using charbroiled eggplant slices for the "bun" on my burger sounded great tonight!

I love how this recipe uses parsley, onion and red pepper for incredible flavor - no need for extra butter or heavy cheese at all!  I just broiled the burgers, then broiled the sliced veggies and, voila - DONE!

Brussels sprouts are also one of my favorite veggies!  

So, in keeping with the gluten-free approach (I know a lot of people are also sensitive to eating wheat products), I sautéed up some delicious, fresh Brussels sprouts, too!  

Just heat a teaspoon of EVOO in a pan, add a tablespoon or two of water (to steam & cover), and half a strip of Applegate turkey bacon for flavor.  SO easy!!

I used a slice of swiss cheese instead of muenster (it's what I had on hand), stacked up the ingredients, and dinner was served!

For the kiddos, I gave them some leftover grilled chicken from last night with pasta and some cherry tomatoes.  EASY, healthy, and definitely not a lot of extra work for their meals. 

EGGPLANT TURKEY BURGER
Serves 4
Container equivalents: 1.5 green, 1 red, 1 blue
INGREDIENTS:

• 12 oz raw lean ground turkey
• 1/4 cup chopped onion (sautéed for extra flavor), 1/2 onion sliced
• 2 large egg whites (1/4 cup)
• 1 tsp hot pepper sauce
• 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
• 1 medium eggplant, peeled and sliced into 8 rounds
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 4 slices Muenster cheese (4 oz.) (I used Swiss)
• 1-2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat grill or broiler to high.
2. Combine ground turkey, onion, egg whites, parsley and hot sauce in a bowl.  Mix well and combine to form 4 patties.
3. Grill or broil patties for 4-5 mins per side or until no longer pink in the middle.  Set aside, keep warm.  (I found it easiest to broil on a tin foil lined baking sheet.)
4. Brush eggplant, onion and red pepper slices with oil (or use an organic spray oil).
5. Grill or broil veggies for 2-3 mins per side or until lightly browned.
6. Place a slice of eggplant on plate, top with a burger patty, a slice of cheese and onions & bell pepper.  Sprinkle with vinegar and top with second slice of eggplant.  Makes 4.

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Interested in getting more recipes like this while also getting healthy & fit?  My next fitness support & accountability group begins this month!  Email me for more details or read more!