Quinoa Turkey Patties with Tahini Sauce

I have been procrastinating putting this recipe up, because it is a bit long to write up. However it is really good, and doesn't take long to make.

A few weeks ago, Kristin came over, having just moved back for the summer. We decided we would make dinner together and thought it would be fun to invite a few others. Laura came and made a delicious salad and Daniele brought dessert! Voila-  Impromptu girls' dinner.

Kristin and I set to work, checking out what ingredients I had and looking up recipes. It was the long weekend so all stored were closed. I think this was a good thing, as it got me started on my new trend of trying to use up the food  I have on hand, instead of rushing out to buy groceries all the time. Kristin had heard me rant and rave about Power Foods and picked out this recipe for us to make.

Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 12 ounces ground turkey
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint
- 2 scalions, finely chopped
- corase salt
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 6 lettuce leaves
- 1 cucumber
- red onion (I omitted)
- 6 pitas

Directions:
1. Cook quinoa by putting 1 cup quinoa in a pot and adding 2 cups of water. bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and let sit for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork
2. Meanwhile prepare tahini sauce by blending, galic, tahini, lemon juice and 1/4 cup water. Chill untilr eady to serve
3. In a food processor, process herbs, scallions, turkey and quinoa. Form into patties.
4. Heat oil and then cook patties, about 8 minutes per side
5. Serve in pitas with lettuce, cucumber and the tahini sauce. enjoy!