Mediterranean Burgers

Makes: 7 servings

Active Time: 1 1/4 hours Total Time: 1 3/4 hours

INGREDIENTS

• 4 sun-dried tomatoes, (not packed in oil)
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, or water
• 1/2 cup millet, rinsed (see Ingredient note)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cups lightly packed baby spinach, stems trimmed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive Ketchup, optional (recipe follows)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 2/3 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 7 whole-wheat English muffins, or whole-wheat buns
• Arugula & sliced tomatoes, for garnish

PREPARATION

1. Place sun-dried tomatoes in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let soak until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain and finely chop; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, bring broth (or water) to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in millet and salt; return to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the millet is tender and liquid is absorbed, 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork; transfer to a plate to cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
3. While the millet cooks, heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and light brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Gradually stir in spinach; cover and cook, stirring, until the spinach is wilted, 30 to 60 seconds. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Transfer to a plate; let cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Prepare Olive Ketchup, if using.
5. Place the millet in a food processor and pulse to mix lightly. Add the spinach mixture and pulse until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in the feta, basil, breadcrumbs, pepper and the reserved sun-dried tomatoes; mix well.
6. With dampened hands, form the mixture into seven 1/2-inch-thick patties, using about 1/2 cup for each.
7. Using 2 teaspoons oil per batch, cook 3 to 4 patties at a time in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned and heated through, about 4 minutes per side. Toast English muffins (or buns). Garnish the burgers with arugula, tomatoes and Olive Ketchup, if desired.

TIPS & NOTES

• Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through step 6. Wrap patties individually and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

• Ingredient Note: Millet makes a good grain base here because it gives these burgers added body with a pleasantly mild flavor. Look for it at natural-foods stores.

NUTRITION

Per serving: 309 calories; 9 g fat (3 g sat, 4 g mono); 10 mg cholesterol; 48 g carbohydrates; 11 g protein; 7 gfiber; 627 mg sodium; 342 mg potassium. Nutrition Bonus: Fiber (27% daily value), Calcium (25% dv), Iron (20% dv). Carbohydrate Servings: 3. Exchanges: 3 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 1/2 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/mediterranean_burgers.html