Saturday, April 10, 2010

Chicken Pitas

This is another really quick, easy dinner that older kids could make. Just whip up some tiny spiced chicken patties, then stuff them into pitas with veggies and a drizzle of tzatziki. I get frustrated trying to find good pitas here, because the ones that I buy tend to fall apart. Jake suggested I try wraps next time instead-maybe that would work. At any rate they were really yummy! The patties can be made a day ahead, even. I haven't tried freezing them, but I'm pretty sure you could do that too.

Adapted from Every Day Food April 2010

1 lb ground dark meat chicken (I used turkey)
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten (I just used 1 whole egg)
1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (if you don't like it spicy, just reduce this. I used 1/4 tsp)
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp olive oil
pita pockets
sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce
tzatziki

In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, garlic, salt, spices, egg whites, and chicken. Mix well. Set aside.

Line a baking sheet with foil, and brush with 1 tbsp of olive oil.

Divide the chicken into 8 portions and form into slightly oval, flat-is patties. Set on the baking sheet. Drizzle them all with the remaining tbsp of olive oil.

Now, heat up your broiler. Place the rack at the highest spot and turn in on. When it's good and hot, cook the patties until they are browned...about 4 minutes or so, and turn to cook the other side. When they are cooked through, remove and let cool.

Serve two patties per pita, stuffed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce. Drizzle tzatziki over top and enjoy!

Serves 4