Turkish Beef Patties with Eggplant, Pepper & Tomato

To prepare patties: Combine breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup onion, yogurt, egg, 1/4 cup parsley, 1 tablespoon mint, cumin, pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt and allspice in a large bowl. Add beef and, using clean hands, knead and squeeze the mixture until well combined (avoid overmixing). Using about 1/3 cup each, form into 8 oval patties, 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

To prepare sauce: Toss eggplant in a bowl with 2 tablespoons oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes. Turn the pieces over with a spatula and continue baking until the eggplant is soft when pressed, 6 to 8 minutes more. Set aside.

Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties (it will be a tight fit) and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate; tent with foil to keep warm. Drain all but 1 tablespoon fat from the pan; if the pan is dry, add 1 tablespoon oil.

Reduce heat to medium, add poblano strips and cook, stirring, until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add 1 cup onion to the pan, cover and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and water; scrape up any browned bits. Return the poblanos to the pan; add the reserved eggplant, tomatoes, marjoram and 1 teaspoon mint. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon parsley along with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Nestle the patties into the sauce, and cook, uncovered, until they are heated through and the sauce is slightly reduced, about 4 minutes. Serve garnished with dollops of yogurt and sprinkled with mint.