Description
A delicious and authentic Middle Eastern falafel pita sandwich featuring homemade falafels made from soaked chickpeas blended with fresh herbs and spices, fried to crispy perfection, and served in pita bread with hummus, fresh vegetables, olives, and optional spicy sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Falafels
- 2 cups dried chickpeas
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ¾ cup fresh coriander, chopped
- ½ cup parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (add more to taste)
Ingredients for the Falafel Sandwich
- Pita bread
- Hummus
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- ½ cucumber, chopped
- Green or black olives
- Sambal or hot sauce (optional)
- Lettuce leaves
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Optional: yoghurt sauce
Instructions
- Soak Chickpeas: Leave the dried chickpeas soaking in water overnight for at least 12 hours to soften them properly.
- Rinse and Drain: After soaking, rinse the chickpeas thoroughly and drain the excess water before placing them in a food processor.
- Blend Chickpeas: Pulse the chickpeas in the food processor for a few seconds to begin breaking them down.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, broccoli florets, coriander, parsley, coriander powder, cumin powder, black pepper, and salt to the food processor.
- Process Mixture: Blend all ingredients until well combined but not mushy— the mixture should be sticky enough to hold shape without being dense.
- Shape Falafels: Using your hands or a falafel press, form the mixture into round balls about the size of your palm.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Heat a small amount of neutral oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the falafels until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, ensuring they remain light and fresh inside.
- Prepare Pita Sandwich: Cut the pita bread in half and spread a layer of hummus on each side. Optionally add sambal or hot sauce.
- Add Vegetables and Falafel: Top with chopped tomatoes and cucumber drizzled with olive oil, fresh lettuce leaves, and the fried falafels.
- Finish Sandwich: Garnish with green or black olives and optionally add some yoghurt sauce before serving.
Notes
- Soaking chickpeas overnight is essential for the right texture and to ensure proper blending.
- Do not over-blend the falafel mixture; it should remain slightly coarse for a light texture.
- Use neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for frying to avoid overpowering the flavors.
- Adjust salt and spices to your taste preferences.
- You can bake the falafels as a healthier alternative but frying gives the best crispy texture.
- This recipe makes about 20 falafels, perfect for multiple sandwiches or a crowd.
- Add fresh herbs generously for authentic flavor.
