Pesto Falafel With Butternut Hummus Food

PESTO

Steps:

• Place the walnuts, pignolis, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process for 15 seconds. Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly pureed. Add the Parmesan and puree for a minute. Use right away or store the pesto in the refrigerator or freezer with a thin film of olive oil on top.

FALAFELS WITH HUMMUS & TABBOULEH

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and put a non-stick baking tray inside. For the falafels, heat a large non-stick frying pan, add the cumin and coriander seeds and dry-fry until fragrant (1-2 mins), stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from the pan.
• Put the seeds, the remaining falafel ingredients and some seasoning into a food processor and blitz until you have a chunky paste. If it seems too dry, add 1 tsp water and blitz again until you have the consistency of damp sand. Using your hands, divide the mixture into 12 falafel balls and chill for 30 mins.
• Heat a non-stick frying pan. When hot, add the falafel balls, pressing down into the pan to make patties. Leave to cook, without turning, for 2-3 mins, then check to make sure they're brown and crisp. Turn and cook the other side for 2 mins more. Remove from the pan, transfer to the baking tray in the oven and cook for a further 10 mins. Meanwhile, prepare the barley couscous following pack instructions.
• For the hummus, put all the ingredients, except the lemon, into a food processor and blitz to form a stiff paste. With the motor running, slowly add the lemon juice and up to 3 tbsp water to get it to the consistency of your choice.
• For the tabbouleh, mix the olive oil, lemon juice and some black pepper in a small bowl. In a larger bowl, combine the rest of the tabbouleh ingredients, along with the cooked couscous, and add the dressing. Mix well.
• Put aside 4 falafels and 4 tbsp hummus in the fridge for Stuffed Moroccan pittas (see 'goes well with', right). Serve the remaining falafels with the remaining hummus and the tabbouleh.

CLASSIC PESTO

Steps:

• Place the basil, cheese, garlic and salt in a food processor; cover and pulse until chopped. Add nuts; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Store in an airtight container in the freezer up to 1 year.