Easy Falafel Pita Sandwiches Food

HOW TO MAKE FALAFEL

Steps:

• (One day in advance) Place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl filled with water to cover the chickpeas by at least 2 inches. Soak overnight for 18 hours (longer if the chickpeas are still too hard). When ready, drain the chickpeas completely and pat them dry.
• Add the chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic and spices to the large bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Run the food processor 40 seconds at a time until all is well combined forming a the falafel mixture.
• Transfer the falafel mixture to a container and cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or (up to one whole night) until ready to cook.
• Just before frying, add the baking powder and sesame seeds to the falafel mixture and stir with a spoon.
• Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and form into patties (1/2 inch in thickness each). It helps to have wet hands as you form the patties.
• Fill a medium saucepan 3 inches up with oil. Heat the oil on medium-high until it bubbles softly. Carefully drop the falafel patties in the oil, let them fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or so until crispy and medium brown on the outside. Avoid crowding the falafel in the saucepan, fry them in batches if necessary.
• Place the fried falafel patties in a colander or plate lined with paper towels to drain.
• Serve falafel hot next to other small plates; or assemble the falafel patties in pita bread with tahini or hummus, arugula, tomato and cucumbers. Enjoy!

FALAFEL IN PITA WITH YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• In medium skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons oil and sweat onion and peppers 2 to 3 minutes then garlic and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• In a food processor, pulse together chick peas, red chili flakes, ground cumin, the egg, salt and black pepper to form a coarse consistency. Then add flour, parsley, and cilantro. Pulse until mixture starts pulling from the sides of the food processor.
• Remove mixture to a large bowl and mix in the onion mixture. Chill falafel until ready to cook.
• Roll falafel dough into 1-inch rounds. Then form rounds into an oblong quenelle shape, like a football.
• In a thick-bottomed skillet heat 1/2 inch of canola oil over medium heat to 350 degrees F. Cook falafel balls a few at a time, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Be sure to turn them so they do not burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt while still hot.
• Open the pita bread to make pockets. Place 3 to 4 falafels inside. Stuff with lettuce tomato and cucumbers and drizzle sauce generously on the inside. Serve immediately.
• Mix the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, cilantro, parsley and cumin together in a small bowl. Add salt to taste. Chill until ready to use.

FALAFEL PITA SANDWICH WITH CUCUMBER SAUCE

Steps:

• CUCUMBER DRESSING: Mix vinegar, dill, onions and pepper in a bowl.
• Add cucumber slices and marinate overnight.
• Drain; discard liquid. Stir in yogurt. Makes about 4 cups; more than enough for the sandwiches.
• FALAFEL PATTIES: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Microwave potato for about 3 minutes; cool, peel and mash with a fork. Set aside.
• Heat oil in skillet over medium heat and saute onions, jalapeno and garlic till soft; about 3 minutes. Stir in parsley and saute another minute.
• In a large bowl, combine beans with onion mixture; mix well.
• Stir in mashed potato, yogurt, paprika and lemon juice.
• Form into 24 patties using 2 tablespoons mixture for each. (It's easier to spoon 2 tablespoons on baking sheet and form into rounds).
• Place patties on baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes; turn patties over and bake for another 10 minutes.
• Assemble sandwiches by placing 2 patties in each pita half. Top with lettuce and 1 tomato slice. Serve with cucumber dressing.
• Serving = 2 pita halves with 4 patties and toppings.