Bean And Rice Patties In Pita With Yogurt Tahini Dressing Food

GARBANZO BEAN AND TAHINI BURGERS

Steps:

• Using fork, coarsely mash 3/4 cup garbanzo beans in medium bowl. Mix in onion and next 3 ingredients. Puree remaining garbanzo beans, egg white, tahini and garlic in processor until almost smooth. Stir into mashed garbanzo bean mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Shape mixture into four 1/2-inch-thick patties. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.)
• If grilling, spray grill rack with nonstick spray, then prepare barbecue (medium heat). If sautéing, spray large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and heat over medium heat. Lightly spray patties on both sides with nonstick spray. Place patties on grill or in skillet and cook until golden brown and heated through, about three minutes per side.
• Meanwhile, mix yogurt, hot pepper sauce and cumin in small bowl.
• Place burgers in pita halves. Top with lettuce, tomatoes and yogurt.

CURRIED RICE PATTIES WITH TAHINI DRESSING

Steps:

• To make the dressing, blend the tahini, garlic, cumin, cayenne, and lemon juice in a food processor until creamy. Slowly poor the oil, then gradually add water to make a creamy dressing.
• Bring a pan of water to a boil. Add the salt and sprinkle in the rice; simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is just tender. Drain and rinse, then set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large pan. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until they begin to soften. Stir in the curry powder and chili, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the pepper, peas, leek, and chopped tomato flesh, and cook gently for 7 minutes, or until tender. Set aside.
• Process the garbanzo beans in the food processor until smooth. Add half the vegetables and process again. Transfer to a large bowl and add the remaining vegetable mixture, bread crumbs, chopped fresh cilantro, and egg; mix well. Stir in the rice and season well. Chill for 1 hour, then shape into 4-6 patties.
• Cook the patties in oil for 6-8 minutes, or until golden, and serve with the dressing, garnished with slices of cucumber and wedges of lime.

KUMARA (SWEET POTATO) & RICE PATTIES

Steps:

• Cook the rice in a large saucepan of salted water until done.
• Meanwhile chop & steam or boil the sweet potato until tender, drain well. Transfer to a large bowl and mash until almost smooth.
• Cut the zucchini into small dice (about the size of the baby peas) add this and all other ingredients to kumara and mix well, season with salt & pepper.
• Divide the mixture into equal portions and cook in non stick fry pan lightly oiled for 3 minutes each side, drain on paper towel.
• Sprinkle with sea salt and serve on a bed of baby spinach and drizzle with sweet chili sauce.
• Note: Nice eaten cold drizzled with lemon juice.