Middle Eastern Burgers

1/3 cup bulgur
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
12 ounces lean ground beef
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 small whole-wheat pita breads
Middle Eastern Yogurt Garlic Sauce (recipe below)
Sliced tomatoes, for topping burger
Sliced cucumbers, for topping burger

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; 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 and let cool.

4. Combine beef, egg, salt, pepper, the onion 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, Middle Eastern Yogurt Garlic Sauce, tomato and cucumber slices.

Middle Eastern Yogurt Garlic Sauce

1 cup plain yogurt
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried mint, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried dill, crushed

Line a sieve or colander with cheesecloth and set over a bowl, leaving at least 1/2-inch clearance from the bottom. (Alternatively, use a coffee filter lined with filter paper.) Spoon in yogurt, cover and let drain in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour. Discard whey.

Mix drained yogurt, garlic, mint and dill together. Chill for at least one hour to let flavors blend.