Chickpea Burgers

Directions

1. 1
   Heat a small skillet over low heat.
2. 2
   Add sesame seeds and toast, stirring, until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes.
3. 3
   Add coriander and cumin; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 10 to 20 seconds more.
4. 4
   Transfer to a plate and let cool. Grind with a mortar and pestle or in a spice mill or clean coffee grinder; set aside.
5. 5
   Add oil to the pan and heat over medium heat.
6. 6
   Add scallions and garlic; cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
7. 7
   Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler. (Alternatively, preheat a grill to medium-high.)
8. 8
   Coarsely mash chickpeas in a medium bowl with a potato masher. Stir in rice, 1/3 cup wheat germ, lemon juice, salt, pepper, the reserved spice mixture and the scallion mixture; mix well. Shape the mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties.
9. 9
   Place the remaining 1/3 cup wheat germ in a shallow dish and dredge the patties, pressing the wheat germ onto them firmly. If broiling, place the patties on a lightly oiled rack set on a baking sheet. (If grilling, oil the grill rack; see Tip.)
10. 10
    Broil (or grill) the patties until browned and heated through, about 3 minutes per side. Tuck the burgers into pitas with tomato slices, spinach and yogurt.