Crispy Baked Falafel with Yogurt Tahini Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups (280 grams) plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup (45 grams) sesame tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (165 grams) dried chickpeas/garbanzo beans (soak overnight) (dried are best as canned have too much liquid)
• 1/2 cup (55 grams) yellow onion
• 4 garlic cloves (peeled and roughly chopped)
• 1/4 cup a good handful cilantro/coriander leaves
• 1/4 cup a good handful parsley leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chickpea flour (or any flour you like plus more if needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Make the sauce: ---

2. 2

   Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix well. If too thick, add a little water to thin to your desired consistency. Set aside.

3. 3

   --- Make the falafel: ---

4. 4

   Add the dried chickpeas to a large bowl and cover with water about 2 inches/5 cm (they will triple in size) for 12 hours/overnight. Drain well.

5. 5

   Add chickpeas, onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, flour and baking powder to a food processor.

6. 6

   Pulse until finely chopped and evenly green, but not a paste. Scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

7. 7

   Preheat oven to 425°F/220°C.

8. 8

   Spread an even layer of healthy oil (olive or avocado) onto a baking sheet/pan and heat in the oven as the oven preheats.

9. 9

   Scoop out 2 tablespoons of the mix and use your hands to press firmly into a ball, then flatten into a round patty. If the mix is too wet, you will need to mix in a little more flour until it holds together.

10. 10

    Place the falafel on the baking sheet evenly apart and bake for 10 minutes. Turn and bake for a further 10 minutes until brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a towel.

11. 11

    Serve inside pitas with lettuce, topped with the sauce and chopped cucumber. Or serve over rice or couscous or serve as an appetizer with the sauce.