Falafel Burger Pitas

These are good plain but we really liked the burgers in a Pita stuffed with tomato, cucumber and romaine.

Falafel Burger Pitas

Sauce:

1/2 – 1 cup hot water  (try 1/2 cup first, I used recipes 1 cup and it was runny)

1/4            cup tahini (sesame-seed paste)

3            tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/8            teaspoon salt

2            garlic cloves, minced

Patties:

1            cup chopped red onion

1/2         cup chopped fresh parsley

2            tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1            teaspoon ground cumin

1            teaspoon ground coriander

1/2         teaspoon salt

2            15 1/2 oz. cans chickpeas, drained

4            garlic cloves, minced

1/2         cup dry breadcrumbs, divided

4            teaspoons olive oil, divided

Remaining Ingredients

6          mini pitas

            romaine lettuce

            tomato, sliced

            cucumber, sliced

            red onion, thinly sliced

To prepare sauce, combine the first 5 ingredients in a blender, and process until smooth.

To prepare patties, combine 1 cup onion and next 7 ingredients (through garlic cloves) in a food processor, and process until smooth, scraping sides of bowl occasionally.  Place bean mixture in a large bowl, stir in 1/4 cup breadcrumbs.  Divide bean mixture into 6 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2 inch thick patty.  Place remaining 1/4 cup breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.  Dredge patties in breadcrumbs. 

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat.  Add 3 patties to pan, cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned.  Repeat procedure with remaining 2 teaspoons oil and patties.

Cut pita in half and slice each pita in half.  Place half patty, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and red onion into pita.  Dress with sauce.