Veggie Mini Burger Pita With Cucumber Yogurt Sauce Recipes

MINI VEGGIE BURGER PITAS

Steps:

• Make the veggie burgers: Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the quinoa, cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the quinoa from the saucepan and spread out onto a baking sheet. Cool completely.
• Meanwhile, puree half of the cannellini beans in a food processor. Combine 1/4 cup of the cooked quinoa (save the rest for another time), the cannellini puree, the remaining whole cannellini beans, the corn, panko, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, granulated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper, and the lemon juice in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture comes together. Form into 8 small patties; place on a plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
• Meanwhile, make the yogurt sauce: Mix the cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, tahini, sugar and garlic in a small bowl. Season with hot sauce, salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Cook the veggie burgers: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook until golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes per side.
• For the sandwich build: Place 2 patties inside each pita half; top with some lettuce, tomato and the yogurt sauce. Serve while on the elliptical machine.

PITA BURGERS WITH CUCUMBER-YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine dried basil leaves, lemon pepper and onion powder in a small bowl.
• In another small bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, salt and 1 tsp of herb mixture
• Reserve.
• Shape ground beef into four 1/2-inch thick patties.
• Sprinkle remaining herb mixture over both sides of patties.
• Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes.
• Place patties in hot skillet and cook 6-8 minutes, turning once.
• Patties should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
• To serve, place a burger in each pita half.
• Add two tomato slices and yogurt sauce as desired.