Welcome to our kitchen!

Today, we are cooking a quick and easy burger that has now become a favourite of mine.

When I transitioned from house life to van life there was one thing I didn’t want to sacrifice – the ability to cook wholesome, delicious meals.

For the most part, my cooking style didn’t change. I found ways to adapt without an oven or microwave, and took my love of food on the road.

Where it all happens

First, let’s take a look at our kitchen.

Now, you might say it’s on the small side but let me tell you, it’s one of the most functional spaces I’ve cooked in.

Often when staying with friends I will prefer it over their kitchen – I know where everything is, the knives are sharp, the spices are fresh.

We have a sink, a stove, a 40 litre 12v fridge, and plenty of pantry storage. There’s an extraction fan right above the stove for ventilation.

I designed the space so that a whole meal can be prepared and cooked without the need to set up outside.

So let’s get started.

Ingredients

For one burger you will need:

• Burger Bun
• 2 Slices of Eggplant
• 2 Slices of Halloumi
• Slices Red Onion
• Pickled jalapeños
• Half an avocado
• Handful of Rocket
• Mayonaise
• Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper for seasoning

The recipe for burger success

We make toast on our gas stove with a gauze toaster. They cost $9.00 from most camping stores. Though, you do need to keep a very close eye on the process.

Toast the bun lightly on both sides and set it aside.

Eggplant is a fantastic vegetable to cook with and a great choice to add to stews and curries. They have a rich flavour and are best stored out of the fridge.

Heat up a large frying pan to a medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Lightly season the eggplant and cook until brown and tender. I like to cut it in thinner 1/4 slices – this way it browns nicely doesn’t go mushy.

Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese that originated in Cypress. The magic happens when you cook it. It brings out a savoury kick while retaining its shape and creaminess.

Slice up the halloumi and add it to the pan. Lower the heat and brown on each side. It will only need about 2 minutes on each side as we don’t want it to go crispy.

Add mayonnaise to each side of the burger bun.

Add half an avocado to one side, and sliced onion and pickled jalapeños to the other. You can use pickled cucumbers it you prefer a milder burger.

Layer the halloumi and eggplant on one side, with a handful of rocket on the other.

Now it’s time for that magical moment. That moment where two halves of a burger become whole.

I present to you the halloumi and eggplant burger!

This burger is best served whilst chatting to your cat or watching cat videos on Youtube.

Enjoy!

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