Aromatic Pork Burger in Pita Bread

from Lazy Days and Beach Blankets
via Sisi Damner

serves 6 very generously

3 slices white bread
5 tablespoons milk
1 3/4 pounds ground pork
2 eggs
handful of chopped parsley
4 cloves crushed garlic
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
seeds of 4 cardamom pods, crushed (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom)
1 teaspoon sea salt
freshly ground pepper
olive oil for brushing
tomato chutney (best from an Indian stand at the Farmers Market)
6 pita breads (not whole wheat as they dry out too much)
2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
10 ounces plain yogurt (or herb mayonnaise)

Soak the bread in the milk for 10 or 15 minutes until soft, then squeeze the bread with your hands until it is almost dry and put in a bowl. Discard the milk. Add the ground pork, eggs, parsley, garlic, spices, salt and plenty of pepper. Mix well, cover and let stand for 60 minutes. Shape the meat mixture into 12 patties. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Preheat the grill. When ready to cook, brush the patties lightly with olive oil and grill for 15 minutes or so, turning them from time to time to avoid burning. Cut into one of the patties; if it is still pink, cook another 5 minutes. Transfer the burgers to a plate. Spread a spoonful of tomato chutney on each one. Heat the pita breads on the grill until just warm. Cut each in half, open and fill with lettuce, yogurt and a burger. Serve.

We have served these Pork Burgers at parties and they have a real "Wow" effect. They are also delicious simply on a bed of lettuce. Enjoy!