Grilled Lamb Burgers in Pitas

 Ingredients:

• 3/4 lb. lean ground lamb, trimmed
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp. chopped fresh mint
• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup dried whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 4 (6-inch) whole wheat pita breads, top third cut off and discarded, wamrned
• 1 1/3 cups lightly packed chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 small red pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 kirby cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh dill

Makes 4 Servings (1 burger per serving)

1.  Stir together lamb, onion, garlic, mint, coriander, tomato paste, egg, bread crumbs, feta, salt, and black pepper in medium bowl just until mixed well. Shape into 4 (1/2-inch) thick patties. 
2. Spray grill pan with nonstick spray and set over medium-high heat. Place patties in  grill pan and grill until instant-read thermometer inserted into side of burger registers 160 F, about 4 minutes per side. Meanwhile, mix dill with yogurt. 
3. Stuff each pita with 1/3 cup lettuce, one-fourth of bell pepper, one-fourth of cucumber, 1 burger, and about 1 tablespoon dill yogurt mixture. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 11 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. Burgers can be delicious when they are done right. These are a new and flavorful take on your typical burgers. These burgers are made with lean ground lamb (which is quite decadent and delicious), they use feta cheese, cucumbers and bell peppers in place of traditional toppings and fillings and they are stuffed into pitas instead of in between buns. I also added a touch of tomato paste, egg, whole wheat bread crumbs and feta cheese to make these bugers much more flavorful and it was a success. If you don't have bell peppers available, use sliced tomatoes instead. You can also use any kind of leafy green in this recipe if you don't have romaine lettuce on hand. 

Chicken Caesar Pitas

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 2 tbsp. low-fat mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp. anchovy paste
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups chopped cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4 (6-inch) whole wheat pita breads
• 8 small romaine lettuce leaves

Makes 4 Servings (1 sandwich per serving)

1. Combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, cheese, garlic, lemon juice, mustard, anchovy paste, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat with the dressing.
2. Cut a pocket in each pita. Fill each pita with one-fourth of the chicken mixture and 2 lettuce leaves.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. These treats are quick, easy and delicious. These treats can be made in 20 minutes or less. I highly recommend grilling the chicken because grilled chicken tastes so good. If you don't have pita pockets on hand, don't worry. These treats taste just as good as a salad as they do as pitas. 

Grilled Chicken Gyros with Bell Pepper

Ingredients:

• 1 large red bell pepper, quartered
• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 4 (1/4 lb.) thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 (7-inch) whole wheat pocketless pita breads, warmed
• 1 large Kirby cucumber, halved lengthwise, sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt

Makes 4 Servings (1 filled pita per serving)

1. Spray nonstick ridged grill pan with canola spray; set over medium heat. Place bell pepper in pan and grill, turning occasionally, until tender and browned, about 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, whisk together oil, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt and cayenne in a large bowl. Add chicken and turn to coat. Transfer chicken to pan and grill, turning once, until chicken is browned and cooked through, 5-6 minutes.
3. Transfer bell pepper and chicken to cutting board and cut into strips. Top pitas evenly with chicken, bell pepper, cucumber, onion, and yogurt. Roll up pitas and serve immediately.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. A gyro a staple of Greek cuisine that is traditionally made of pork, chicken, or lamb and served in a wrapped pita with onion, tomato, tzatziki sauce and sometimes French fries. These gyros are healthier and more filling and flavorful (in my opinion) because the chicken and vegetables are grilled. This gyro also has a little crunch to it thanks to the cucumber and onion. This treat is flavorful and filling and make a great lunch or dinner any day or night of the week. 

Cherry Tomato & Feta Crisps

Ingredients:

Topping:

• 12 cherry tomatoes
• 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
• 3 large black olives, pitted and slivered
• fresh rosemary sprigs

Crisps:

• 1 large garlic clove, smashed and peeled
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 (8-inch) whole-wheat pita round
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 16 Crisps (4 per serving)

1. Heat the oven to 400 F.
2. For the topping: In a medium bowl, toss the tomatoes with the oil and salt and pepper to taste. Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet and bake, shaking the pan occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, or until softened.
3. While the tomatoes are baking, prepare the crisps: In a cup, stir the smashed garlic and oil. Cut the pita into 8 even, double-layer triangles. Separate each triangle into 2 wedges. Place the pita wedges split-side up in a single layer on another baking sheet. Brush with garlic oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Bake the pita wedges for 7 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
4. To assemble: Top the crisps with the tomatoes, feta, and olives. Garnish with rosemary sprigs. Serve warm or at room temperature.

WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. This is what I call gourmet chips and cheese.These little snacks are perfect for all kinds of parties, especially around the holidays. You can even serve these when you're watching your favorite sports teams. 4 of these 'chips' are 1 serving and 1 point per serving. These 'chips' look and taste better but they are also better for you. You can use any crumbled cheese such as goat, blue or gorgonzola cheese with the tomatoes and any dried herb such as basil, oregano, dill, marjoram, etc. as well and your crisps will be delicious. As for the olive oil, I highly recommend using flavor infused olive oil to go with what kind of flavors you're going to use. For more information, visit www.TheImperialOlive.com.

 

 

Artichoke, Roasted Peppers & Feta Egg Pockets

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp. low-fat milk
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup sliced artichoke hearts
• 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat feta cheese (crumbled)
• 2 large whole-wheat pita bread rounds, cut in half

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a medium bowl, combine egg whites, eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Beat with a wire whisk or rotary beater until well mixed. Stir in artichoke hearts, peppers and basil.
2. Lightly coat a large skillet with nonstick spray. Preheat over medium heat. Add eggs to skillet. cook, without stirring, until mixture begins to set on the bottom and  around the edges.
3. Using a spatula or a large spoon, lift and fold the partially cooked eggs so the uncooked portion flows underneath. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes or until eggs are cooked through but still glossy and moist. Remove from heat immediately. Fold in feta cheese.
4. Open pita halves to form a pocket. Fill pita halves with eggs.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. Pita pockets filled with eggs, cheese and vegetables is so filling and delicious. I really loved these pita pockets because they were packed with real Mediterranean flavor with the vegetables and feta cheese. I highly recommend adding milk instead of water to the eggs because milk makes the eggs creamier. You can use goat cheese, mozzarella or Parmesan cheese in place of the feta and your egg pockets will still be delicious.



Canadian Bacon and Eggs Pockets

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp. water
• 1/8 tsp. kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 3 oz. Canadian bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp. sliced scallions (optional)
• nonstick cooking spray
• 2 oz.  (1/2 cup) reduced-fat cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 large whole-wheat pita bread rounds, cut in half

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a medium bowl, combine egg whites, eggs, water, salt and pepper. Beat with a wire whisk or rotary beater until well mixed. Stir in Canadian bacon and, if desired, scallions.
2. Lightly coat a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat over medium heat. Add eggs to the skillet. Cook, without stirring, until mixture begins to set on the bottom and around edges.
3. Using a spatula or large spoon, lift and fold the partially cooked eggs so the uncooked portion flows underneath. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes or until eggs are cooked through but still glossy and moist. Remove from heat immediately. Fold in cheese.
4. Open pita halves to form a pocket. Pull pita halves with eggs.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. Eggs are absolutely delicious for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You get your grains, protein and a little dairy in this sandwich and it will quickly fill you up. If you want to make your eggs a little creamier, substitute 3 tablespoons of skim milk in place of the water. Milk always make eggs fluffier. I was surprised how delicious these eggs were made mostly of egg whites. Another yummy thing about this dish was it was made into a sandwich. If you don't have pita pockets, you can always use a whole wheat tortilla and it will still be delicious. These bacon and egg sandwiches are quick and easy and better than the egg sandwiches you get at the fast food joint. 

Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

Ingredients:

• 8 (6-inch) whole-wheat pitas, cut into 4 triangles each
• 1 1/2 cups canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3/4 cup canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 small garlic clove, peeled
• 1/4 cup nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Assorted raw & blanched vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and scallions

Makes 2 Cups and 32 Pita chips

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Place pita wedges on a baking sheet and bake until crisp, 10-12 minutes.
2. Puree chickpeas, cannellini beans, tomatoes plus 1 tablespoon of their oil, and garlic in a food processor. Add yogurt, lemon juice, sesame oil, cumin, and salt; process until smooth. Serve at room temperature with pita triangles and vegetables for dipping.
    

 WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pts per tbsp dip & 4 pts per 4 pita triangles

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. Who doesn't enjoy chips and dip once in a while? Forget the hummus at the grocery store; you can make this colorful hummus at home in 10 minutes or less. This was my first time making hummus and it was so delicious. It was a party in my mouth with the sun-dried tomato zing, the toasted sesame oil, heat from the cumin and the tanginess of the lemon juice. This hummus is great for when you're having company or even when you're at home watching a movie. If you're on Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet, enjoy the green veggies, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers and skip the carrots and pita chips. 

Mediterranean Vegetable Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• 1 (15 1/2-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups baby spinach
• 3 ounces reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled (generous 1/3 cup)
• 1 large cucumber, halved crosswise and thinly sliced lengthwise
• 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
• 2 roasted red peppers (from a jar), rinsed and cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1/8 tsp ground cumin
• pinch of cayenne pepper
• 2 (6-inch) whole-grain pita breads, halved

Makes 4 Servings

1. Place onion in a small bowl and cover with ice water; let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Drain onion, pat dry and place in a medium bowl. Add chickpeas, spinach, feta, cucumber, tomato, peppers, olives, oil, vinegar, and cumin; stir gently to combine. Season with cayenne to taste.
3. Fill pita halves with vegetable mixture and serve.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts with pita, 4 pts without pita

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Taste of Summer Cookbook. I LOVED this salad because it was colorful, refreshing and it filled me up so much I wasn't hungry. This was my first time eating chickpeas and I must say I really like the chickpeas in this salad. Chickpeas are a type of bean called garbanzo beans. They are legumes that have a mild and nutty flavor and a firm yet creamy texture when you bite into them. Chickpeas are packed with protien, fiber, folate, iron and zinc. This is what I call a sophisticated Greek salad with a little heat. Cumin and cayenne are not the usual flavors of the Mediterranean but they give this salad a little kick. If you don't have any feta cheese, I recommend crumbled goat cheese because it has a nice creamy flavor that blends well with spinach and red peppers. You can also use arugula in place of the spinach if you'd like. Soaking the onions in ice water tames the bite but also give the salad a cool crunch to it. You can also omit the pita and eat the filling as a salad and you will be just as satisfied. Parents, this is also a yummy salad to get your kids to eat.

Middle Eastern-Style Turkey Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground turkey breast
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 small onion, grated
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted and cooled
• 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• 4 (7-inch) whole-wheat pitas, warmed
• 1 large tomato, cut into 8 slices

Makes 4 Servings

1.  Spray the rack of a broiler pan with nonstick spray and preheat the broiler.
2. Mix together the turkey, the egg white, onion, pine nuts, oil, cumin, paprika, salt, allspice and crushed red pepper until well combined. With damp hands, shape the mixture into 4 (1/2-inch thick) patties.
3. Place the patties on the broiler rack and broil 4 inches from the heat until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the side of a burger registers 165 F, 5-6 minutes on each side.
4. Cut off the top third of each pita (save for another use, if desired). Stuff wach pita with 2 tomato slices and a burger.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7pts

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW in 20 minutes Cookbook. I was craving a burger and I wanted to try something new. I've always been questionable about Middle Eastern food and now that my palate has improved over these last few years I decided to take the plunge. This was a delicious burger that has a lot of different flavors to it. The paprika and the cumin are the key spices that give this burger an extra kick of heat. If you don't have any whole-wheat pitas, you can use buns instead. I also highly recommend adding lettuce and some condiments such as mayonnaise, ketchup or mustard to add more flavor.