- 1/3 cup bulgur (see Ingredient note)
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup pitted prunes, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 12 ounces lean ground beef
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 4 small (4 inch) whole wheat pita breads
- Preheat grill.
- Combine bulgur with 1/2 cup warm water in a small bowl; let soak until the bulgur is tender and most of the water has been absorbed, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring often, until the onion softens, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and prunes; cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Don't let the garlic burn. Stir in cumin, coriander and allspice; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add remaining 2 tablespoons water; cook until it is absorbed, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
- Combine beef, egg, salt, pepper, the onion-prune mixture and the bulgur in a mixing bowl; mix thoroughly. Shape into four 3/4-inch-thick patties.
- Lightly oil the grill rack (hold a piece of oil-soaked paper towel with tongs and rub it over the grate). Grill the burgers over medium heat, turning once, until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Warm pitas on the grill, if desired. Serve the burgers with the pitas.