Eating Healthy-Recipe #1

Chickpea Burgers

Eating healthy does not mean eating boring food. There are many ways to obtain the proteins your body needs other than always consuming meat. This recipe is a great way to give meat a rest and enjoy something different and delicious. With 15 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber and only 399 calories, this might just make you forget about chicken and move on to Chickpeas!

Ingredients:

• 1 19-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
• 4 scallions, trimmed and sliced
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 6-1/2-inch whole-wheat pitas, halved and warmed, if desired

Tahini sauce:

• 1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons tahini (see Ingredient note)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

To prepare burgers: Place chickpeas, scallions, egg, flour, oregano, cumin and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor. Pulse, stopping once or twice to scrape down the sides, until a coarse mixture forms that holds together when pressed. (The mixture will be moist.) Form into 4 patties.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook until golden and beginning to crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully flip and cook until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes more.

To prepare sauce & serve: Meanwhile, combine yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, parsley and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Divide the patties among the pitas and serve with the sauce.

Ingredient note: Tahini is a smooth, thick paste made from ground sesame seeds and commonly used in Middle Eastern foods. Look for it in the Middle Eastern section or near other nut butters in large supermarkets. (recipe obtained from http://www.foodnetwork.com/)