Easy Falafel...

I am always up for trying new things. Unless it is maggot cheese or something that reminds me of roadkill I am all for it. I love trying and introducing my family to meals that are not common in Mississippi. Thus we land on the falafel.

I was watching the food network one night and they were going over restaurants and their popular dishes when they showcased a diner that specialized in falafels. I was curious....what the heck is this tasty looking meatballish creature/recipe/meal-a-bob? I decided to try it. My kids were pleased. When you are a parent, pleased kids says a lot about your cooking.

I tried the recipe from food network and loved it. 

Recipe copied from Food Network:

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups cooked chickpeas

3 scallions, coarsely chopped

1 large clove garlic, coarsely chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander

3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Generous 1/4 cup coarsely chopped parsley

Generous 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro

1 egg

1 lemon, juiced

Kosher salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/3 cup flour, plus 1/4 cup flour for shaping patties

Vegetable oil, for frying

Lettuce, for garnish

Chopped salted tomatoes, for garnish

Grated cucumber, for garnish

White Bean Yogurt Sauce, recipe follows

Directions

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, scallions, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne, parsley, cilantro, egg, and lemon juice. Pulse to combine and season with salt. The mixture will not be smooth, but it should not have large chunks.

Add in the baking powder and 1/3 cup of the flour and pulse to just combine. Remove to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Remove the chickpea mixture from the refrigerator. Add enough oil to a large saute pan so it reaches 1/2-inch up the sides and heat it over medium-high heat until an inserted thermometer reads 360 degrees F.

Meanwhile, drop spoonfuls of the chickpea mixture onto a plate with 1/4 cup flour. Roll into balls on the floured plate and press gently into patties. Fry in batches of hot oil for about 3 to 4 minutes each side and drain on paper towels.

Serve the falafel on a bed of lettuce with chopped salted tomatoes, grated cucumber and White Bean Yogurt Sauce.

Creamy White Bean Yogurt Sauce

3/4 cup cooked white beans

1 small garlic clove, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup plain yogurt

1/2 lemon, juiced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Puree the white beans, garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil in a mini food processor until very smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve with falafel or as a salad dressing

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/falafel-recipe/index.html?oc=linkback