Middle Eastern Burger. An exotic twist on the basic burger, this version features Middle Eastern spices and chopped prunes. Served with a yogurt garlic sauce, this succulent burger will satisfy even the burger purists at your next backyard barbeque.
Ingredients
1/3 cup bulgur
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic
1/3 cup pitted prunes
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
12 ounces lean ground beef
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 small whole-wheat pita breads
Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat grill.
2. Combine bulgur with 1/2 cup warm water in a small bowl; let soak until the bulgur is tender and most of the water has been absorbed, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring often, until the onion softens, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and prunes; cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Don't let the garlic burn. Stir in cumin, coriander and allspice; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add remaining 2 tablespoons water; cook until it is absorbed, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
4. Combine beef, egg, salt, pepper, the onion-prune mixture and the bulgur in a mixing bowl; mix thoroughly. Shape into four 3/4-inch-thick patties.
5. Lightly oil the grill rack (hold a piece of oil-soaked paper towel with tongs and rub it over the grate). Grill the burgers over medium heat, turning once, until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Warm pitas on the grill, if desired. Serve the burgers with the pitas.
