Sensational Pumpkin Patties (and Burgers!)

There's not much that beats a good burger. By making some conscious choices when assembling ingredients, you can make a burger healthy, too. Here are some ideas below, but try your ideas to make it your own.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole butternut pumpkin/squash

• Lettuce/rocket for dressing

• Free range mayonnaise

• Hot sauce/wasabi paste/chipotle or chilli powder/crushed garlic

• Smoked paprika

• Neutral oil

• Onion powder (optional)

• Garlic powder (optional)

• Swiss cheese slices

• Burger buns

Method:

Preheat oven to 200C.

Prepare the pumpkin by slicing whole, 1.5cm thick slices, making 6-8 rounds of pumpkin (depending on its size). In a bowl, add the pumpkin, cover with a tablespoon of oil, salt, pepper, a teaspoon of garlic and onion powder (if using) and a tablespoon of smoked paprika. Using your hands, rub the marinade into the pumpkin.

On a lined baking tray, add the pumpkin slices so they're not overlapping. Reserve the marinade left in the bowl, and place the tray in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the slices begin to colour.

Remove from the oven, and baste with the remaining marinade. Turn each slice over and return to the oven for a further 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Alternatively, cook both sides for 5 minutes less each side, remove from the oven and place on a sizzling hot BBQ griddle for 3 minutes each side for more smoked flavour and lovely charring.

Meanwhile, make a spiced mayonnaise by combining a few tablespoons of mayo with a teaspoon of your favourite hot sauce or chilli powder. Wasabi paste is delicious here, as is a crushed garlic clove. Add salt to taste. Set aside.

Assemble your burgers by toasting each bun (perfect if you're using the BBQ to finish the pumpkin steaks), adding a spread of mayo, a slice or two of pumpkin, cheese slices, lettuce or rocket, and more mayo.