Exotic-tasting spices and chopped prunes give Middle Eastern flair to these truly succulent burgers. Serve with Yogurt-Garlic Sauce, slices of ripe tomato, lettuce and sharp red onion.

Makes 4 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Moderate

1/3 cup bulgur (see Ingredient note)
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water, divided
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 small)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup pitted prunes, finely chopped (2 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
12 ounces lean ground beef
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 small whole-wheat pita breads

1. Preheat grill.
2. Combine bulgur with 1/2 cup warm water in a small bowl; let soak until the bulgur is tender and most of the water has been absorbed, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring often, until the onion softens, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and prunes; cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Don't let the garlic burn. Stir in cumin, coriander and allspice; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add remaining 2 tablespoons water; cook until it is absorbed, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
4. Combine beef, egg, salt, pepper, the onion-prune mixture and the bulgur in a mixing bowl; mix thoroughly. Shape into four 3/4-inch-thick patties.
5. Lightly oil the grill rack (hold a piece of oil-soaked paper towel with tongs and rub it over the grate). Grill the burgers over medium heat, turning once, until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Warm pitas on the grill, if desired. Serve the burgers with the pitas.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving (with 90%-lean beef): 339 calories; 12 g fat (4 g sat, 5 g mono); 108 mg cholesterol; 36 g carbohydrate; 24 g protein; 6 g fiber; 373 mg sodium.

Nutrition bonus: Zinc (30% daily value), Fiber (24% dv), Iron (20% dv).

2 Carbohydrate Servings

TIP: Ingredient Note: Fiber-rich bulgur is made from whole-wheat kernels that are precooked, dried and cracked. You can find it in natural-foods stores and large markets.

RELATED RECIPES: Yogurt-Garlic Sauce | Mediterranean Portobello Burger | Turkey Kibbeh | Parsley Tabbouleh | Spicy Turkey Burgers with Pickled Onions | Moroccan-Rubbed Grilled Steak & Sweet Potatoes

We must have tried this recipe about a year ago and it is has quickly become my signature dish. I give it to new brides at showers, recommend it to co-workers and family, and could probably eat it once a week in the summer. If you haven't tried this recipe---DO IT NOW! It makes the juiciest burgers and the yogurt sauce is just awesome. I tend to leave out the prunes because I never have them, but otherwise the resipe is perfect. If you don't have pita use a good bun or serve over rice. Highly recommended!

Anonymous, Las Vegas, NV