Falafel
Ingredients
- 1 15-19 oz can chickpeas (~ 2 cups), drained
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for pan frying
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375.
Mash chickpeas with fork, potato masher or pulse in food processor, until blended but not pureed. Add onions, garlic, and herbs and blend until incorporated. Add remaining ingredients to make a thick paste-like consistency. You want to add enough flour so that the dough forms a small ball and no longer sticks to your hands. Turn into a bowl and refrigerate, covered, for several hours*. (this makes dough easier to work with, but is not required)
Shape into ping pong or walnut size balls**. Place in mini muffin tins or on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes until crisp on the outside.
**Option to shape into patties and pan fry in a lightly oiled skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side
Serve as appetizer with Tzatziki Sauce or stuff in a pita with diced tomatoes, onions, green peppers and sauce.
Tzatziki Sauce
(pronounced zad-ZEE-kee)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups plain yogurt (any type will work)
- ½ large cucumber, grated with a cheese grater
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon of dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Can be served immediately, but it is even better if you let it sit for a few hours or overnight before serving.