Day 24: On a Mediterranean Diet

Photo courtesy of Kana Okada and Food Network Magazine

Welcome to 30 Days on a Mediterranean Diet, our new blog series! It’s no secret that eating the Mediterranean way helps with heart health and weight loss. But fast-paced modern living makes it hard to stick to any diet, which is why each 30 Days on a Mediterranean Diet post will feature a healthy Mediterranean recipe.

Did someone say turkey and hummus? Oh, yes. This recipe calls for you to mix ground turkey with hummus, herbs and spices to create one magnificent Mediterranean patty. Even if you’re not crazy about turkey as a protein choice, the fresh cucumber mixture, tangy melted feta, and (let’s face it, adorable) pita ‘buns’ are sure to win you over.

A little tip: Try broiling the patties in the oven instead of pan-frying them in olive oil for a leaner, healthier cook.

Prep & Cook

1. Toss the cucumber, feta, vinegar, mint, 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch each of salt and pepper in a bowl; cover and refrigerate.
2. Mix the turkey, 1/2 cup hummus, the parsley and coriander in a bowl; season generously with pepper. Dampen your hands and shape the mixture into 16 small patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the patties and cook until browned and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Cook the remaining patties in the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil.
4. Mix the remaining 1/2 cup hummus with a splash of hot water in a bowl. Spread some of the hummus on the inside of each pita; fill with a tomato slice, turkey patty and some of the cucumber mixture.