Bean and Grain Burgers with Lemon Tahini

I relish a good hamburger as much as the next person. But with our cholesterol numbers haunting us, hubby and I find that more and more we're opting for more healthful vegetarian fare, like this bean and grain burger.  I've enjoyed this burger countless times at one of my favorite restaurants, Sammy T's, for years, but never realized I could have it any time I wanted- until I found the recipe here. It turns out that the burger I had been ordering because it was out of this world delicious, is also a good choice healthwise!

Another way to enjoy this meatless wonder? At Sammy T's it's called the Camper's Special. It's this same burger topped with hummus, sauteed mushrooms and onions, green peppers and tomatoes. It's wrapped in a grilled flour tortilla, covered with melted mozzarella and cheddar, and served with lemon tahini sauce. Try one. Or even two. The cows won't be offended.

Bean and Grain Burgers

Recipe adapted from Sammy T's  Published in The Best in the World: Fast, Healthful Recipes from Exclusive and Out-of-the-Way Restaurants

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1tablespoon olive oil

1 (19 oz.) can garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed and ground or coarsely chopped

3 slices whole wheat bread, blended in food processor

1/4 cup sesame tahini

1/4 cup tamari or low sodium soy sauce

1 clove garlic, finely chopped or 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 cup cooked brown rice

1/3 cup raw wheat germ

Gently saute onions and garlic in olive oil until onions are slightly browned. Mix onions together with remainder of ingredients EXCEPT the wheat germ. Form mixture into 8-10 patties. Coat each patty in raw wheat germ and grill on a non-stick surface. Serve on a multi-grain roll with lemon tahini (recipe follows) and/or your favorite toppings.

*****Campers Special**** Top your Bean and Grain Burger with hummus, sauteed onions, green pepper, tomato and mushrooms. Wrap it in a grilled flour tortilla and top it with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Serve warm with lemon tahini dressing. Yum.

Lemon Tahini Dressing

1/2 cup sesame tahini

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

juice of 1 lemon

1 clove mild garlic

2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari (add more 1 tsp. at a time if mixture is not salty enough for your taste.)

Dash of Sriracha sauce or a pinch of cayenne

3/4 cup of water

Place first 6 ingredients (all except water) in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add water gradually until desired consistency is reached. Keeps fresh refrigerated for 7-10 days. This sauce is best if made ahead of time (an hour or so) in order to allow the flavors to blend.