Falafels with Cilantro and Tahini Sauces

[Guest guest]

After all of the talk about falafels, I had such an intense craving.

I devised this recipe, along with the 2 sauces. Trust me, you might

not ever want another strip-mall falafel ever again after trying this

one. The flavor of the falafels is the perfect showcase for the spicy

cilantro sauce, and the creamy cool tahini sauce.

Although the recipe looks a bit long in the ingredients, trust me

when I say it took about 1/2 hour from start to finish, including the

frying.

 

Falafels with Cilantro and Tahini Sauces

 

Falafels

2 c chickpeas, drained

1/2 c onion, finely minced

2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely minced

2 tbsp lemon juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp garam masala

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 tbsp flour

 

Tahini Sauce

1/3 c tahini

1/2 c water

3 tbsp lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 tsp salt

 

Cilantro Sauce

1/4 c fresh cilantro, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 green onions, chopped

1 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp salt

pinch sugar

4 oz plain yogurt

 

Combine all ingredients for falafels in food processor. (Or I just

use a potato masher with the beans until nicely smashed, and then

handstir in the remaining ingredients. I like to retain some of the

texture) Set in refrigerator to chill while making sauces.

Combine all Tahini sauce ingredients in food processor and blend

until smooth.

(*Note - by itself, right after it's made, this sauce will seem way

too overwhelming to be good with anything. Trust me when I say it

will become a fabulous member of the entire equation)

Combine all Cilantro sauce ingredients, except for yogurt, in food

processor and blend until smooth. Add yogurt, and pulse until well-

blended.

Heat oil in heavy frying pan. Make patties of falafel mixture, about

2 tbsp each. Fry on each side until crisp and browned. Drain on paper

towels.

Serve falafels in a pita with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion with

both sauces drizzled on top, by themselves with the sauce, or top a

salad with them.

Enjoy!

 

Christiane