Indian Beef Patties in Pitas

           1 ounce fresh ginger root (1" cube)

2 large cloves garlic

3 medium jalapeño chiles, seeded, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves

1 medium onion, quartered

1 pound lean ground beef

2 teaspoons ground cumin

Salt

4 large pita bread

Cucumber yogurt

½ small cucumber peeled diced small

16oz plain yogurt

Mix together and keep in refrigerator.

      1.     TO PREPARE: For the patties, mince first 4 ingredients in a food processor. Add the onions; pulse until minced. Add the ground beef, cumin, and 1 teaspoon salt; pulse to combine.

2.     Make the Cucumber Yogurt recipe.

3.     TO COOK: Heat the broiler. Divide ground beef mixture into 8 portions. Form each portion into a patty, 3 inches in diameter. Transfer patties to a broiling pan. Broil patties, turning once, until they are browned on both sides, about 6 minutes.

4.       TO SERVE: Place 2 beef patties into each pita bread. Then spoon a portion of the Cucumber Yogurt into each pocket. Serve immediately.

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Serving Ideas: Serve with curried rice.

Suggested Wine: Pair with a off-dry Gewurztraminer or Riesling.