Mozzarella and Eggplant Patties

 Mozzarella and Eggplant Patties

Ingredients:

Makes about 8 medium size patties1 large eggplant (or 2 medium), peeled and diced

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 small onion (or 2 scallions), diced

1 garlic clove, minced

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1 egg

4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 cup  breadcrumbs

Directions:

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large (preferable non-stick) skillet over medium-high heat, add onion and salt and saute’ for 5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and saute’ for 1 further minute, until fragrant.
Finally add eggplant cubes and saute’ – stirring every now and then – until browned and soft, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Transfer to a large bowl and puree/mash with an immersion blender (you can also use a food processor or a blender to do this).
Add cheese, parsley, egg, black pepper and stir until well combined.
Add breadcrumbs ¼ cup at a time and mix with your hands until it reaches a firm consistency and will hold up as patties.
Transfer mixture to the refrigerator for 20 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to suck up some of the moisture.
Take the bowl out of the refrigerator and with dampened hands form 8 medium size patties.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet you used before over medium-high heat.
When sizzling, add patties (I did 4 at a time) and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until browned.
Serve warm with some marinara sauce on the side, or eat them plain. Either way they’re delicious.