Fresh Homemade Falafel

  A classic Middle Eastern dish, delicious, packed with flavor, and naturally gluten free and vegan.  Falafel is usually deep-fried, but my version is sautéed, which is not only healthier but much easier to make at home, or in your RV!  You will love this fresh, tasty, and easy recipe that can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes.

Falafel pita with cucumber, lettuce, & tomato.

Fresh Homemade Falafel
Vegan, Gluten Free (without pita)
makes 13-15 balls

1 ½ cups cooked chick peas, or 1 15 oz can drained and rinsed
½ cup Garbanzo flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp turmeric
1 tsp oregano
¼ tsp cumin
¼ tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh flat leaf parsley
½ tsp dried parsley
½ of a lemon, juice & zest
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil

In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork (or process in a food processor).  Add all  other ingredients except olive oil.  Stir to combine.  Press a spoonful of the mixture into your palm, then roll into a ball approximately 1 ½" thick.  Repeat with the rest of the mixture.  Heat pan to medium, add olive oil.  Sauté balls in oil, rolling often medium heat for 15-20 minutes.  Serve hot.

Falafel is excellent served over rice with a side of veggies, or in a pita with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and cucumber.

* For a great sauce, try mixing some dill & sriracha sauce into a vegan mayo, tahini, or vegan yogurt.  Garnish with fresh cilantro.

You can find garbanzo flour like this in the baking section of some grocery stores.

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