Meatless Monday with Greek-Style Quinoa Burgers

Happy Meatless Monday! We here at Miratel Solutions continue our support of the movement to “reduce meat consumption by 15% to improve personal health and the health of our planet”. This week’s offering is a quick burger courtesy of Martha Stewart’s Whole Living (wholeliving.com) that when combined with a side salad provides protein, whole grains, vegetables and dairy. For those who are wheat sensitive, the bread crumbs and pita can be exchanged with gluten-free options. Vegans can replace the egg and yogurt with an egg-substitute and guacamole.

This recipe makes 4 servings and leftovers are perfect for lunch or dinner. Burgers can be made the day before and cooked fresh – just keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to prepare.

Ingredients:
• 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 lemon 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.

If you want to learn more about the movement, visit meatlessmonday.com.   Enjoy!