Falafel

A popular vegan recipe, falafels are are healthy protein- and fiber-packed dish when pan sauteed or baked instead of deep fried. You can certainly use the deep-fryer for this falafel recipe, but baking will save you clean up time as well as a lot of fat and calories.
A popular vegan recipe, falafels are are healthy protein- and fiber-packed dish when pan sauteed or baked instead of deep fried. You can certainly use the deep-fryer for this falafel recipe, but baking will save you clean up time as well as a lot of fat and calories.

Falafel

Serves 6

Ingredients:

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• 1 cup dry garbanzo beans, rinsed, soaked overnight

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• 4 cups water

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• 1/2 cup white sesame seeds

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• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

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• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

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• 1-1/2 teaspoons curry powder

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• Juice and grated zest of 1 small lemon

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• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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• Olive oil for spraying 

Directions:

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1. Place garbanzo beans in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until tender, about 2 hours.

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2. In a large bowl, mash the beans with sesame seeds, parsley, garlic, curry, lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature while you preheat the oven.

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3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

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4. Spray a baking sheet with olive oil. Form bean mixture into 1/4-cup size patties.

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5. Place falafel on the baking sheet and spray generously with olive oil. You can also brush or rub olive oil on falafel if you don’t have a sprayer.

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6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until falafel are lightly browned and heated through.

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7. Serve warm in pita bread, on salads, or crumbled over vegetables.

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