The combination of dried spices and fresh seasonings, including lemon, ginger, and scallion, makes these burgers irresistible. Watermelon slices are served on the side to balance the heat of the burgers.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4

　　1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (4 to 5), cut into rough chunks

　　4 scallions, thinly sliced

　　3 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger (from a peeled 2-inch piece)

　　2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

　　1 tablespoon paprika

　　2 teaspoons ground cumin

　　1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

　　1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

　　Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

　　Vegetable oil, for grates

　　4 whole-wheat pitas (6-inch)

　　1 cucumber (8 ounces), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced on the diagonal

　　1/2 cup fresh cilantro sprigs

　　Cumin Yogurt Sauce (recipe below)

　　Watermelon slices (optional)

　　

Cumin Yogurt Sauce

1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt

　　1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

　　Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

　　

Step 1

Heat the grill to medium-high. In a medium bowl, place the chicken, scallions, ginger, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, cardamom, cayenne, 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; toss to combine. Set aside to marinate for at least 10 and up to 30 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Transfer the chicken mixture to a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped, but not pasty, 10 to 12 times. Gently form the mixture into sixteen 3/4-inch-thick patties (about 3 tablespoons each).

　　

Step 3

Moisten a folded paper towel with oil; grasp with tongs and rub over the grates. Season the patties with salt and pepper; grill until opaque throughout, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

　　

Step 4

Halve the pitas crosswise (toast on the grill, if you like). Into each pocket, place 2 chicken patties, cucumber slices, and cilantro sprigs. Serve with cumin yogurt sauce and, if desired, watermelon slices.

　　

Cumin Yogurt Sauce

Step 5

In a small bowl, combine yogurt and cumin; season with salt and pepper.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.