Falafel Pita Sandwiches

September 23, 2010 in Sandwiches
Tags: falafel, Greek, middle eastern fare, sandwich, tzatziki, yogurt sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 60 minutes

Ingredients:
• 1 cup dried chickpeas or 16 oz. can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans.
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt
• Pepper

Place dried chickpeas in a bowl, covering with cold water. Allow to soak overnight. Omit this step if using canned beans.

Drain chickpeas, and place in pan with fresh water, and bring to a boil.

Allow to boil for 5 minutes, then let simmer on low for about an hour.

Drain and allow to cool for 15 minutes.

Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper (to taste) in medium bowl. Add flour.

Mash chickpeas, ensuring to mix ingredients together. You can also combine ingredients in a food processor. You want the result to be a thick paste.

Form the mixture into 1 inch balls. Slightly flatten.

Fry in 2 inches of oil at 350 degrees until golden brown (5-7 minutes).

Stuff two to three Falafel in pita lined with a healthy scoop of Greek yogurt sauce. Garnish with sliced cucumber and tomato wedges. Add additional Greek yogurt to taste. Garnish with fresh diced mint.

Greek Yogurt Sauce    –Tzatziki

1 pint Greek Yogurt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 table spoon fresh mint, diced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Sea salt to taste
White pepper to taste