Week SEVEN: BBQ Veggie Burgers, Mediterranean Salad & Apples with Fruit Dip

BBQ VEGGIE BURGERS
Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1/2 onion, cut into wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Directions:

1. If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If
   baking, preheat oven to 375°F, and lightly oil a baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.
3. In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic; stir into mashed beans. 
4. In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce. 
5. Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.
6. If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side.
7. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.

MEDITERRANEAN SALAD
Ingredients:

• 6 cups coarsely chopped English hothouse or Persian cucumbers (about 2 pounds total)
• 2 large tomatoes (about 1 pound total), coarsely chopped
• 1 bunch scallions, chopped
• 1 cup assorted pitted olives (such as Kalamata or Gaeta), halved
• 1 (7-ounce) package feta, crumbled, divided
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, olives, half of feta, and mint in a large bowl. 
2. Whisk oil and lemon juice in a small bowl; season dressing with salt and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat.
4. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle remaining half of feta over salad and serve.

APPLES & FRUIT DIP
Ingredients:

• 1 apple
• 1 tablespoon of cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of soy butter

Directions:

1. Chop apple into slices.
2. Combine remaining ingredients to create dip.
3. Serve apples with dip.