Homemade Falafel

By anonsouthernbell

"Falafel is a Middle Eastern dish made up of ground chickpeas, onion, breadcrumbs and spices usually served as a pattie or ball shape in pita or flatbread. It's typically fried, but it can be baked to cut down on fat and oil. It's very filling, full of protein and complex carbs - and most of all delicious."

Ingredients

• 1 15oz can chickpeas (drained)
• 1 small onion
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 cup bread crumbs (I used Italian seasoned because it was all I had in the house - still worked great!

Preparation

Step 1

Directions: Pulse chickpeas and onion in food processor until completely smooth. Transfer to a mixing bowl and mix in remaining ingredients. Stir in breadcrumbs and don't be afraid to use your hands. Form mixture into 8 patties.

At this point you can deep fry, pan fry or bake them. I pan fried mine with a little bit of olive oil. If you bake them I would put them on a cookie sheet at 400 degrees for about 10-15 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Serve with pita or flatbread with some lettuce, tomato and tzatziki sauce.