Moroccan Spiced Portobello Burgers with Cucumber Raita

Points

Total Time: 24 min

Prep: 18 min

Cook: 6 min

Serves: 4

Easy

These vegetarian burgers are packed with traditional Moroccan spices like cardamom and cloves, which are complemented nicely by a fresh, cooling cucumber-studded raita. Raita is a common condiment on the Indian subcontinent that usually includes yogurt mixed with cucumber and mint. We’ve called for an English cucumber which has a thin, edible skin that doesn’t require peeling unless you just want to. Portobello caps are big, easily standing in as a meatless option for burger patties. Look for large, smooth caps without any mushy bits or excessive browning. You can serve these on buns smeared with the raita or fork-and-knife style with the raita on the side for dipping.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cups plain fat-free yogurt, Greek-variety recommended
• ¼ cup cucumbers, sliced, seedless (English), peeled, finely chopped
• 1 tsp peppermint leaves, minced
• ½ tsp table salt
• ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground cardamom
• ½ tsp table salt
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 sprays of cooking spray
• 4 large portabella mushrooms, caps
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. To make the raita, mix yogurt, cucumber, mint, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper in a small bowl; cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 2 days.
2. To make the burgers, mix the cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, cloves, and cayenne on a large plate. Spray the caps on both sides with nonstick spray; coat both sides by pressing into the spice mixture.
3. Off heat, spray the grill rack or a grill pan with nonstick spray, then prepare the grill or heat the pan over medium heat. Add the caps and cook until somewhat softened and browned, turning once, about 6 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon juice, transfer to a serving platter, and let stand at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving with raita.
4. Yields 1 Moroccan Spiced Portobello Burger with 1/4 cup of Cucumber Raita per serving.