Falafel is one of my favorite foods, but traditional recipes are loaded with oil and gluten. Recently, I went to work on creating a recipe that is low in fat and gluten-free so I could enjoy these tasty morsels anytime my heart desires. They are baked to golden perfection and seasoned with fresh herbs and Mediterranean spices. Enjoy alone or with the accompanying Lemon-Tahini Sauce.
Makes: Approx. 18 Falafel
Time: 20 minutes prep, plus 15 minutes for baking
Ingredients:
2 cups chickpeas (canned or sprouted.) If using sprouted, bring to a low boil in water water for 20 min. Drain.
1 cup cilantro leaves
1/2 cup mint leaves
1/2 cup parsley leaves
1/2 medium red onion, chopped (about 3/4 cup)
3 garlic cloves, peeled
3/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. sea salt
3/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 cup water
For the Lemon-Tahini Sauce
1/4 cup raw tahini
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp. sea salt
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup water
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a food processor fitted with an `S’ blade, combine chickpeas, cilantro, mint, parsley, red onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, pepper, and water. Purée until thoroughly combined and a smooth dough is achieved, about 3 minutes.
3. Scoop 1/4 cup dough into your hands and roll into a ball. Press into 1/2-inch patties and place on a greased baking sheet.
4. Repeat until all dough is formed into patties.
5. Place sheets on middle rack of oven and bake each side for 7-8 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
6. While patties are baking, make Lemon-Tahini Sauce.
7. In a Vitamix or high-speed blender, combine tahini, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, sea salt, garlic, and water. Blend on high for 1 minute. Transfer to a glass container and use for serving with falafel. (Or drizzle over your favorite salad or grain bowl.)
8. Serve warm falafel wrapped inside a collard leaf with fresh tomato, cucumber, romaine, olives, and Lemon-Tahini Dressing, or serve falafel as a side dish with Sauce for dipping. You may also make large patties and enjoy as a burger with your favorite toppings.
NOTE: I select sprouted chickpeas which add more texture to the patties, but any preparation of the beans will work just fine.
