Falafel pita sandwich is a delightful Middle Eastern dish that combines crispy falafel balls, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tahini sauce, all wrapped in a soft pita bread. The falafel, made from chickpeas or fava beans, is a popular street food in many countries and is often served as a sandwich or appetizer. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to make homemade falafel, including grinding the chickpeas, seasoning them with aromatic herbs and spices, and frying them until golden brown. It also includes recipes for making the tahini sauce, assembling the sandwich, and serving it with additional toppings like pickled turnips, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Whether you're a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian meal, this falafel pita sandwich with tahini sauce is a must-try.
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FALAFEL WITH TAHINI SAUCE
There's not one "right" way to make a falafel. So if you like less onion, put in less onion. If you like more herbs, put in more herbs. More spice, more spice. It's really up to you.
Provided by Amanda Cohen
Categories main-dish
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 28
Steps:
- Make the spice mix: In a skillet over low heat, toast the coriander and cumin seeds until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Grind the toasted seeds in a spice grinder. Add the dried parsley, granulated garlic, chili powder, granulated onion, za'atar, sumac, allspice, chili flakes, a few turns of black pepper and continue grinding to combine. Set aside. Spice mix will keep for several weeks in an airtight jar.
- For the falafel: In a food processor, add the chickpeas, chopped onion and garlic, parsley, cilantro, baking soda, spice mix and salt. Pulse until the mixture's combined and the chickpeas are pea-size, stopping and stirring halfway through. Tightly pack the falafel mixture into balls the size of an extra large marble and set aside.
- Fry the falafel: Pour oil half full into a deep pan and set over medium heat. Secure a deep-fry thermometer to the pan's side and heat oil to 375 degrees F. Using a spider strainer, gently drop the falafel balls, one at a time, into the hot oil making sure the pot isn't overcrowded with falafel. Cook until most of the bubbles have disappeared and the falafel is golden brown, 1-2 minutes. Remove to a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet to cool and repeat the process until all of the falafel balls are cooked.
- Make the tahini dressing and assemble the dish: In a blender add the garlic, water, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Blend until combined. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and lemon juice if necessary and blend again. Set aside. Tahini sauce can be made several days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. To serve, place falafel balls on a platter, drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with parsley and a lemon wedge.
FALAFEL PITA SANDWICH
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle to medium-high heat. Coat with olive oil and heat a pita round for 2 minutes on each side. The pita may begin to brown a little. Repeat with the remaining pita rounds, making sure to cut the top part to reveal the pocket after heating.
- Stuff each pita round with 3 falafel balls and a spoonful each of diced tomatoes and cucumber. Top each with sliced onion, chopped parsley, the optional pickles, and a generous drizzle of tahini sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 434 kcal, Carbohydrate 56 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 4 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 461 mg, Sugar 4 g, Fat 19 g, ServingSize 6 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
FALAFEL SANDWICH WITH SPICY TAHINI SAUCE
Nestled in pita bread, Middle Eastern falafel is draped with Spicy Tahini Sauce.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Vegetarian Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Place half the chickpeas in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until chopped. Set aside in a bowl. Place remaining chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, lemon juice, and tahini in food processor; process until a coarse paste is formed, about 30 seconds. Add to bowl of chopped chickpeas; add egg, flour, and sesame seeds. Stir until combined. Shape into 12 two-inch patties.
- Heat oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add patties; cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove from oil; place on a paper-towel-lined tray.
- Fill pitas with lettuce, tomato, onion, and falafel. Drizzle with tahini sauce; serve.
FALAFEL WITH TAHINI SAUCE
Falafel, usually tucked into pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and tahini sauce, is one of the best-known Middle Eastern street foods. At home, falafels make a rustic hot hors d'oeuvre, with a bowl of creamy tahini sauce for dipping. These fry up just right: crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. The baking powder gives the falafels a little lift so they don't sit in your stomach like belly bombs! All the fresh herbs make for a vibrant flavor and super green color. The chickpeas need to soak for a bit, so plan accordingly. The falafels are amazing with Quick Pickled Vegetables (page 235).
Yield makes about 2 dozen falafels
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Put the chickpeas in a large bowl and add cool water to cover by 3 inches. Soak the beans in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours or up to 24; the chickpeas will swell to double their original size. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Put the soaked chickpeas in a food processor and pulse until well ground (about the consistency of cornmeal). Add the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, mint, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper; process until the mixture is completely pureed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. If you have a small processor, you will have to do this in batches, but be sure to combine the batches in a mixing bowl at the end so all the ingredients are evenly distributed. You can make the falafel mixture 3 or 4 days in advance; store it covered in the refrigerator.
- Heat 3 inches of oil to 350°F in a countertop electric fryer or deep pot. If you don't have a deep-fry thermometer, a good way to test if the oil is hot enough is to stick the end of a wooden spoon or chopstick in it. If bubbles circle around the end, then you're good to go.
- Form the falafel mixture into golf-size balls with your hands. Be sure to press the mixture tightly; if the balls are too loose they'll fall apart. Carefully slip a few of the falafels at a time into the hot oil with a slotted spoon, gently nudging them so they don't stick to the bottom. Fry until the falafels are a crusty dark brown on all sides, turning as needed so there are no hot spots, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the falafels with a slotted spoon and drain on a platter lined with paper towels.
- To serve, arrange the falafels on a platter with a bowl of tahini sauce on the side for dipping.
- Combine the tahini, soy, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a blender. Process on high speed to make a smooth and creamy sauce. If the tahini sauce gets too thick as it sits, mix in a little bit of water or lemon juice to thin it out.
Tips:
- Use dried chickpeas for the best flavor and texture. Soaking them overnight will help them cook evenly.
- If you don't have time to soak the chickpeas overnight, you can quick-soak them by boiling them for 1 minute, then removing them from the heat and letting them sit for 1 hour.
- Use a food processor to grind the chickpeas. This will help you achieve a smooth and even texture.
- Add plenty of herbs and spices to the falafel mixture. This will give them a delicious flavor.
- Don't overcook the falafel. They should be cooked through but still slightly soft in the center.
- Serve the falafel pita sandwiches with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include tahini sauce, hummus, pickled turnips, and fresh herbs.
Conclusion:
These falafel pita sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. They are packed with flavor and protein and can be customized to your liking. Enjoy!
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