1 3/4 pounds coarsely ground turkey breast meat (or thigh meat if you can spare the calories)
2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
2 tsp fresh mint, chopped or ½ tsp dried
2 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped or ½ tsp dried
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp lime zest
1 tsp lime juice
3 of each: pocketless pita, punched out with 2" cookie cutter
Za'tar (2 tablespoons dried thyme, 1 tablespoon sumac, 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds, 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
Olive oil
1 recipe cucumber yogurt sauce
Garnish: diced tomato and diced cucumber
Directions:
1. Prepare turkey mixture: combine all ingredients and gently toss. Test for seasoning by cooking a small portion. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
2. Shape patties into 2" rounds. Sear in skillet until done.
3. Prepare pita: brush rounds with olive oil and sprinkle with za’tar seasoning. Grill or toast rounds just until warm.
4. Serve burgers on pita with cucumber yogurt sauce. Garnish with chopped cucumbers and diced tomatoes.
Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
1/2 European cucumber, finely diced (not peeled)
1/2 cup yogurt
1/2 cup sour cream
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon lime zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Set aside 1/4 cup of cucumber for garnish.
2. Combine all ingredients at least 1 hour before serving.
Cooking spray directions:
1. Combine all the spices and set aside.
2. Combine the turkey, apple and oil. Mix well. Add in the spice mix and thoroughly combine.
3. Spray nonstick skillet with cooking spray and saute until browned on both sides and cooked through.
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