falafel

if you're vegan, chances are you know how awesome falafel is. simply put, it's a patty made from chick peas. it's high in protein and flavor, and when baked instead of fried, it really is a healthy meal.

i like serving my falafel over a salad with a cucumber salad and tahini dressing, since a pocket pita isn't really an option. plus anything is better for you if it's served over a bed of greens :)

i'll share with you my simple recipe for this yummy meal.
a food processor isn't necessary, but if you're a vegan celiac, investing in one is a really smart idea.

Falafel

• 1 can of chick peas (fresh soaked beans are best, but for convenience sake....)
• small onion or leek, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup water (if mix seems too dry before baking, add more)
  
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (if using dried ingredients, only use 1 teaspoon)
  
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped parsley (" ")
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
  
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup dry gluten free breadcrumbs, home made or store bought (there are several gluten free varieties on the market, i prefer Gillian's Foods. if you don't have any breadcrumbs, try with coarse cornmeal instead.) **
  
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
• lil' squirt of lemon
  

**if the mix seems too dry or like it won't stick together with the breadcrumbs you're using, try adding 1/4 cup mashed potato.

PREHEAT oven to 350 F
combine ingredients in food processor, or combine ingredients in large bowl with potato masher
make sure all ingredients are mixed well
slightly oil a non stick cookie sheet
shape dough into small balls and place onto cookie sheet
slightly flatten balls to a patty shape (will cook more evenly)
coat the top side with oil
bake 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway

other ideas: add a little curry powder or chipotle powder to the mix


Cucumber Salad

• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (if dry, 1 teaspoon)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill ("")
• 1 teaspoon garlic
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 a container of cherry tomatoes, chopped
• 1 stalk green onion, chopped
• pepper, to taste

combine ingredients in a bowl, and chill for at least 30 minutes

other ideas: add lime, cilantro (right before serving), and/or a little oil to get a slightly different taste

Tahini Dressing

• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
• 1/4 cup ground sesame seeds (tahini)
• 1/4 cup water
• salt and pepper, to taste

after chopping garlic, place in small cup
pour lemon juice over garlic, let sit at least 5 minutes
add tahini, water, salt and pepper
mix well, and allow to sit for a few more minutes

other ideas: i usually add some sriracha or chipotle powder to the mix for some heat. cilantro, green onion....

once all of these are ready to go, serve over a bed of mixed greens. enjoy!!