Baked Falafel With Cucumbers And Tahini Recipes

FALAFEL WITH TAHINI SAUCE

Steps:

• Make the spice mix: In a skillet over low heat, toast the coriander and cumin seeds until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Grind the toasted seeds in a spice grinder. Add the dried parsley, granulated garlic, chili powder, granulated onion, za'atar, sumac, allspice, chili flakes, a few turns of black pepper and continue grinding to combine. Set aside. Spice mix will keep for several weeks in an airtight jar.
• For the falafel: In a food processor, add the chickpeas, chopped onion and garlic, parsley, cilantro, baking soda, spice mix and salt. Pulse until the mixture's combined and the chickpeas are pea-size, stopping and stirring halfway through. Tightly pack the falafel mixture into balls the size of an extra large marble and set aside.
• Fry the falafel: Pour oil half full into a deep pan and set over medium heat. Secure a deep-fry thermometer to the pan's side and heat oil to 375 degrees F. Using a spider strainer, gently drop the falafel balls, one at a time, into the hot oil making sure the pot isn't overcrowded with falafel. Cook until most of the bubbles have disappeared and the falafel is golden brown, 1-2 minutes. Remove to a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet to cool and repeat the process until all of the falafel balls are cooked.
• Make the tahini dressing and assemble the dish: In a blender add the garlic, water, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Blend until combined. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and lemon juice if necessary and blend again. Set aside. Tahini sauce can be made several days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. To serve, place falafel balls on a platter, drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with parsley and a lemon wedge.

BAKED FALAFEL

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Drain and rinse the garbanzo beans. Put in a medium sized bowl and smash with a fork.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
• Form into small balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and slightly flatten. Place onto an oiled baking pan.
• Bake for 15 minutes on each side, until nicely browned (since it's baked, only the part actually touching the pan will be browned and crispy).
• Serving suggestion: Stuff in mini pita pockets with hummus, tahini sauce, tomatoes, lettuce and/or cucumber.

BAKED FALAFEL SANDWICH

Steps:

• Combine chickpeas, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt and baking soda in a food processor or blender.
• Process until mixture is coarsely pureed and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in flour and shape mixture into 4 large patties and let stand for 15 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook until golden brown, flipping once, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 10 minutes more.
• Meanwhile, whisk together tahini, water and lemon juice in a small bowl.
• To assemble sandwiches, place lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber in the pitas inside each pita with 1 falafel patty and drizzle with tahini dressing.
• Enjoy!

EASY BAKED FALAFEL WITH CUCUMBER-YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Coat a 9x13-inch metal baking pan with cooking spray and 1 tablespoon olive oil and place inside the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). C
• Combine chickpeas, onion, cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, cumin, salt, red pepper flakes, and baking powder in a food processor. Pulse until minced but not yet pasty. Transfer to a bowl and stir in flour and egg until fully incorporated.
• Remove baking pan from the oven. Drop golfball-sized portions of chickpea mixture onto the hot pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven 15 to 20 minutes. Brush falafel with remaining olive oil and flip over. Continue baking until golden on both sides, 15 to 20 minutes more.
• Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and cayenne pepper. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Serve falafel with yogurt sauce.