Falafels and Pita Sandwiches with Tahini Garlic Sauce

Give the burgers a break and try these Middle Eastern falafels with whole wheat pita! Serve with the tahini sauce for a new healthier grab and go.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight, or a 14 0z can (rinsed and drained)
• ½ cup flat-leaf parsley
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 medium cloves garlic
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1-3 tablespoons water, if needed

Directions

1. Drain chickpeas and transfer to a food processor.
2. Add parsley, onion, garlic, 1 tablespoon oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt and baking soda; process, adding water as needed, until finely ground and the mixture just holds together.
3. Using about 3 tablespoons per patty, shape into twelve 1 1/2-inch patties.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium.
5. Add the patties and cook until golden brown on the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn, swirl in the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and cook until golden, 2 to 4 minutes more.

Tahini Garlic Sauce

8 servings

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 3 tablespoons warm water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
• 1 small clove garlic, grated
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Lemon zest for garnish

Directions:

1. Stir tahini, water, lemon juice, oil, garlic and salt together in a small bowl. Garnish with lemon zest, if desired.

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