Lunch / Dinner
Three-Herb Falafel with Tahini Sauce
Whether you call them chickpeas, garbanzos, or ceci [CHAY-chee], these beans are versatile. Available dried and canned, some recipes lend themselves better to one type over another. For the Classic Falafel recipe, dried are best. Just soak them overnight in plenty of water, like you would any dried bean. A traditional Middle Eastern street food, falafel, is a must-try chickpea recipe. These protein-packed and herb-spiced fried chickpea fritters are completely addictive. With just a drizzle of nutty tahini sauce, vegetarians and meat-eaters will fall in love with these homemade falafel.
Ingredients
FOR THE SAUCE, PURÉE:
FOR THE FALAFEL, PULSE:
HEAT:
Instructions
For the sauce, purée tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, salt, and cayenne in a mini food processor. (Sauce can be made ahead and chilled, but bring to room temperature before serving.)
For the falafel, pulse chickpeas, chopped red onion, cilantro, mint, parsley, flour, jalapeño, garlic, salt, cumin, coriander, baking powder, and black pepper in a food processor until minced and crumbly, scraping down sides as necessary.
Scoop dough with a #40 scoop (1½ Tbsp.); roll into ping-pongsized balls, pressing firmly.
Heat a large pot filled two-thirds full with oil to 350°. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
Fry falafel in four batches until golden brown, gently nudging so they don’t stick to the bottom, about 4 minutes per batch; transfer to prepared baking sheet.
Top flatbreads with lettuce, sliced onion, cucumber, tomatoes, falafel, and sauce.
Don’t press the falafel too tightly or they’ll be dense, but be firm enough so they’ll stay intact while frying.
Nutritional Facts
Nutritional Facts
Per serving
Calories: 653
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 31g 47%
Saturated Fat 33g 165%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 1716mg 71%
Carbs 77g 25%
Protein 22g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.