Greek-Style Beef Pita Sandwiches with Tzatziki Sauce
Serves 4
Ingredients
For Tzatziki Sauce * 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt * 1/2 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced fine (about 1/2 cup) * 3/8 teaspoon table salt * 1 tablespoon juice from 1 lemon * 1 small garlic clove, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 1/2 teaspoon) * 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint leaves or dill
For Beef Patties * 4 (8-inch) pita breads (see note above) * 1/2 medium onion, chopped coarse (about 3/4 cup) * 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice * 1/2 teaspoon table salt * 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper * 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano leaves * 3 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 3 teaspoons) * 1 pound 80 percent lean ground chuck * 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Accompaniments
* 1 large tomato, sliced thin * 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce * 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
1. For the Tzatziki Sauce: Line fine-mesh strainer set over deep container or bowl with 3 paper coffee filters or triple layer of paper towels. Spoon yogurt into lined strainer, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, combine cucumber, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and lemon juice in colander set over bowl and let stand 30 minutes.
3. Discard drained liquid from yogurt. Combine thickened yogurt, drained cucumber, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, garlic, and mint in clean bowl.
4. For the Patties: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut top quarter off each pita bread. Tear quarters into 1-inch pieces. (You should have 3/4 cup pita pieces.) Stack pitas and tightly wrap with aluminum foil. Process onion, lemon juice, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic,