Still love a good burger but want to try a meat-free option? These caprese brinjal burgers still packs all the punch, but with a veggie alternative.

MAKES 6 // COOKING TIME 35 min

INGREDIENTS
2 large brinjals
¼ cup coarse salt
Olive oil
6 wholewheat buns
300 g mozzarella, sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced
¼ cup basil pesto
Fresh basil to serve

METHOD
1. Cut the brinjals into 2 cm slices. Place the slices on a clean tea towel and sprinkle with the coarse salt. Leave for 15 minutes for the excess liquid to drain.
2. Rinse the brinjal slices to remove the excess salt, then pat dry.
3. Heat olive oil in a griddle pan over medium heat and cook the brinjal slices until they are soft and slightly charred, about 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Slice each bun in half and layer with slices of mozzarella, tomato and brinjal. Drizzle with some pesto and top with basil. Season well.

Recipe & Styling: Amerae Vercueil
Photography: Andreas Eiselen