Middle Eastern Sliders

Source: Rachael Ray Everyday Magazine, June-July 2009

adapted by http://theresalwaysthyme.blogspot.com

4 pita breads

1-1/2 pounds ground beef

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper

1 romaine heart, thinly sliced crosswise

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup dill pickle slices

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving

3/4 cup store-bought hummus

Tip: You can also use Greek-style yogurt instead of the hummus and add feta cheese crumbles to the salad.

Preheat a grill to medium-high. Stack the pitas and wrap in heavy-duty foil; place on the grill and cover to warm.

In a large bowl, combine the beef with the cumin, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; shape into twelve 1/3-inch-thick patties. In another large bowl, combine the romaine, tomatoes and pickles; toss with the olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Remove the pitas from the grill. Transfer the beef patties to the grill, cover and grill for 2 minutes on each side for medium. Spread each pita with some of the hummus, then top with some of the salad and 3 patties. Serve with the lemon wedges.