Going Greek.

If you love the smell of cumin, crave the taste of "Falafel", or enjoy a great meal with no meat, you will love this recipe.

It is made with is a base of "QUINOA" which, (in case you didn't know) Quinoa seeds contain twice the protein of rice, lots of fiber and loads of other vitamins and nutrients. {If you suffer from migraines, consuming quinoa on a regular basis is supposed to really help}

Don't forget to get some high quality Greek Yogurt (there's not much better than Greek Yogurt... mmmm) for the sauce. I bought some mini whole wheat pita pockets at Trader Joe's and made "mini burgers" to put inside. The kiddos thought they were pretty cool and gobbled them up.

Here's to many more meatless evenings...

Enjoy.

Greek-Style Quinoa Burgers

Ingredients - serves 4

• 1/2 cup rinsed quinoa
• 1 medium carrot, cut in large chunks
• 6 scallions, thinly sliced
• 15 ounces great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• Coarse salt
• Ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemmon juice
• 4 pitas (each 6 inches)
• 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced diagonally

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup water to a boil; add quiona, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until liquid is absorbed, 12 to 14 minutes; set aside.
2. In a food processor, pulse carrot until finely chopped. Add cooked quinoa, half the scallions, beans, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; pulse until combined but still slightly chunky.
3. Form mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick paties (dip hands in water to prevent sticking). If too soft, refrigerate 10 minutes to firm. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium; cook burgers until browned and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes per side.
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, and the remaining scallions; season with salt and pepper. Serve burgers in pita topped with cucumber and yogurt sauce.