Easy Baked Falafel With Cucumber Yogurt Sauce Recipes

BAKED FALAFEL WITH GREEK YOGURT CUCUMBER RAITA

Steps:

• For the falafel: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
• Add the chickpeas to a food processor along with the cilantro, parsley, tahini, sesame seeds, chili powder, coriander, cumin, garlic and egg. Process until a paste is formed. Place in a bowl and add the chickpea flour, a little at a time, mixing just to incorporate. Mix in the lemon zest and juice. Using a small cookie scoop, form balls and evenly space on the baking sheet. Lightly press the falafel balls, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Bake until crispy, around 20 minutes.
• For the raita yogurt sauce: Pulse the cucumbers, mint and garlic in a food processor a few times, then add the yogurt and puree. Season to taste with salt.
• Serve the falafel garnished with a dollop of raita.

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.