Aegean Burgers
Makes 4 servings

Prep Time: 3 min.
Cooking Time: 20 min.

Grilling Time (covered): 10 min.
Grilling Time (uncovered): 16 min.

Broiling Time: 22 min.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 - pounds ground beef
• 1/8 - teaspoon salt
• 4 - whole wheat pita pockets
• 1/2 - cup fat-free bottle ranch dressing
• 1/2 - cup cucumber (diced)
• 1/4 - teaspoon ground cumin
• Shredded lettuce
• 8 - slices tomato

Directions:

1. Gently shape the ground beef into 4 patties.  You want the patties to be slightly less than 1-inch thick.  (Don't overwork the meat, you don't want tough burgers.
2. Lightly coat bottom of a large nonstick skillet with vegetable cooking spray.  Set at medium heat.
3. Sprinkle the skillet with half the salt.
4. When skillet is hot (but not smoking) place the patties in the skillet.  You want them close together but not touching.  Sprinkle top of burger with remaining salt.
5. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes on each side for well done or until juices run clear when patties are pierced and the meat is no longer pink in the middle.

Grilling:

1. Place the patties 4 to 6-inches above the coals.  Cover and grill for 4 to 5 minutes on each side.  
2. (Or, grill uncover for 7 to 8 minutes on each side for well done or until juices run clear when patties are pierced and the meat is no longer pink in the middle.

Broiling:

1. Place the patties on a broiler-pan rack.  Broil 4 to 5-inches from the heat source for 9 to 11 minutes on each side for well done or until juices run clear when patties are pierced and the meat is no longer pink in the middle.

Dressing Burger

1. While burgers are cooking, in a bowl stir together ranch dressing, cucumber, and cumin.
2. Line pita pockets with lettuce and 2-tomato slices.
3. Serve burgers in pita pockets.
4. Top with ranch dressing sauce.