Quinoa-and-Turkey Patties in Pita with Tahini Sauce

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add quinoa; return to a boil. Stir once, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until quinoa is tender but still chewy and has absorbed all the liquid, about 15 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork; let cool.

   Step 2

   Meanwhile, process garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and remaining 1/4 cup water in a food processor until smooth. If mixture is too thick to pour, thin with more water. Transfer dressing to a small bowl; cover and refrigerate.

   Step 3

   In a clean food processor, pulse turkey, allspice, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), mint, scallions, and 3/4 teaspoon salt until a smooth paste forms. Add quinoa; process until mixture comes together around the blade, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. With dampened hands, roll about 2 tablespoons quinoa mixture into a ball; flatten slightly, and place on a plate. Repeat with remaining mixture to make 24 patties.

   Step 4

   Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium, until hot but not smoking. Working in batches, fry patties until cooked through, about 8 minutes per side. Transfer patties to a clean plate, and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Add more oil to skillet between batches as necessary.

   Step 5

   Divide lettuce, cucumber, and red onion evenly among pita breads. Top each with 4 quinoa patties, then drizzle each sandwich with about 1 tablespoon tahini dressing. Fold pitas over filling, and serve.

2. Nutrition Information

   Step 6

   (Per Serving)

   Step 7

   Calories: 434g

   Step 8

   Saturated: 2.1g

   Step 9

   Unsaturated Fat: 6.9g

   Step 10

   Cholesterol: 32.5mg

   Step 11

   Carbohydrates: 60g

   Step 12

   Protein: 23g

   Step 13

   Sodium: 380mg

   Step 14

   Fiber: 5.1g