going greek

Greek food is one of my absolute favorites. The fresh herbs, amazing fish, roasted vegetables, and salty briney cheese and olives are just so delicious. A few of my favorite restaurants in my neighborhood are Greek restaurants. You just absolutely can not go wrong with Greek food. These days, you can easily make Greek food on your own, and find some delicious ingredients at your supermarket. Greek food is not only delicious, but also very healthy. You've heard it time and time again, the Mediterranean diet is one of champions. Apparently, those who live in the Mediterranean, eating lots of fresh, healthy foods are doing it right. So who am I to protest that?

Last week one of my closest friends came over for dinner. She and I always cook up delicious dinners together. We love re-creating our favorite restaurant dishes, and trying new recipes as well. When I asked her what we should make, she sent me a recipe for Greek quinoa burgers. Greek+Quinoa...what is not to love? If you haven't caught on by now, I love quinoa- a delicious "grain" (actually in the nut and berry family), quinoa has amazing flavor and texture, and is packed with protein! I was super excited to take this recipe and make it our own. Modifying to make it gluten free friendly, and using the ingredients that we had on hand, we made a delicious dinner together! I hope you enjoy these burgers, they were incredibly easy to put together and very delicious. Have a friend over and get your hands messy making these burgers!

Greek Quinoa Burgers with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

1 cup quinoa
2 medium carrots, cut into chunks
8 scallions (greens and whites), thinly sliced
1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup feta cheese
1 large egg
2 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

1 cup greek yogurt
1 medium cucumber, chopped
1 splash lime or lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

yum.

Bring 1 cup quinoa to boil with 2 cups water. Season with salt and pepper, and bring down to a simmer
Cover the pot and allow quinoa to cook on low for 15 minutes or until fluffy
Grate, or food process your carrots until they are shredded
Combine carrots, scallion, beans, and feta with the quinoa. Season with salt, pepper, cumin and garlic; Taste before you add your egg!!
Add in the egg and food process (or use a stick blender) the burger mixture
Heat a sauce pan to medium high and add olive oil to the pan
With your hands, form 1/3 inch thick pattys and press them flat into the pan
Cook on either side for about 6 minutes or until they brown
Allow to cool on a paper towel to soak up any extra oil

In a small bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, juice, salt and pepper
Stir to combine and top your burger with your sauce!

Enjoy! We served ours over a simple salad of arugula, peppers, and avocado!