Falafel Sandwich

To make the tahini sauce, add everything to a food processor and pulse a handful of times until everything is thoroughly combined. Taste. It should have a great lemon and garlic with sesame flavor. If it is too thick for you, add a couple tablespoons of warm water and stir.

Now, onto the falafel.

After the chickpeas have soaked overnight, drain them and give them a good rinse. It is important to use dry, not canned. Add the onion, garlic, and chopped cilantro and parsley to a food processor, and pulse down. Add in the seasonings and the chickpeas. Pulse until everything is well combined but not a mush. You want some texture.

Remove the mixture into a large bowl, and then add in the flour and baking powder. Mix with a wooden spoon, making sure the flour and baking powder are well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, no longer than 4 hours.

After the 2 hours, add about 2 inches of the canola oil to your cooking pot. Bring this up to about 350ºF.

Begin forming your falafel. I like to to use 2 spoons, using one to grab enough falafel mixture, then begin using the spoons to form into quenelle shapes, much like a football might appear. If you want to make round, small meatball shapes, go ahead. Once the oil is heated, carefully drop the falafel into the oil and cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them onto a plate lined with paper towel. Sprinkle with just a bit of salt.

Repeat. This will make about 30 falafel, depending on your shape and size.

When you are ready to serve, warm some pita bread, making a slot into the pita. Generously spread tahini sauce on both of the interior sides of the pita. Load in some mixed greens, cucumber, red onion, and tomato. Add hot pickled peppers, if desired. Add in 2 or 3 of your falafel, and top that with some of the tzatziki sauce.

Every bite yields nothing but pure satisfaction. You get the best of the garden, along with some very nutritious beans and herbs, as well as some great sauces that you will probably want to use again and again.

You can serve these immediately, or eat them at room temperature. They are also great reheated in the oven, and can be stored in the freezer for a quick reheat later in the week.

Note: You could bake these as well. If you go that route, preheat the oven to 400ºF, and add the falafel to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook for about 15 minutes per side.