Betsy’s No Garlic Mediterranean Madness Falafels with Cool Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce

By Betsy Vail 03/03/2015

Falafel Ingredients:

• 2 – 15 oz. cans garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained thoroughly
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 c unseasoned bread crumbs
• ½ c parsley
• 2 eggs
• 2 Tbs olive oil
• 1 Tbs lemon juice
• 5 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp salt
• A few shakes of pepper
• 2 pinches of cayenne

Falafel Directions:

1. In a food processor, blend the garbanzo beans and onion on pulse until mixed into a course slurry. Be careful not to over-process the beans into a mush.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the bean/onion mixture with all other ingredients adding the bread crumbs last. Adjust the bread crumbs as needed until the mixture is not sticky and holds together. Chill the mixture for about 30 minutes.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Roll falafel mix into 1.5 inch balls, then slightly flatten into patties. Fry the patties in hot oil until golden on both sides. Remove from heat and allow to rest on paper towels. Note an alternate cooking method: To bake the falafels, place evenly spaced on a greased baking sheet. Spray the top of each falafel with oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 F for 40-45 minutes. 

Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients:

• 16 oz. sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and finely chopped, water squeezed out
• 2-3 Tbs mayonnaise (to taste) (optional)
• 1-2 Tbs dill weed (to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tzatziki Directions:

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate until use.

Fusion food note: Falafels are often served with tahini sauce, but I prefer them with Tzatziki. The falafel seasonings are warm and are perfectly balanced with the cool, creamy cucumber dill dressing. Pita bread is also traditional, but it is often bland and crumbly, so I prefer to use flour tortillas and eat them as a wrap. YUM!

Assembly:

Place 2-3 falafels on a flour tortilla, cover with Tzatziki sauce. Add lettuce and tomato. Additional toppers could include olives, peppers, onions, avocado, cucumber, etc. Wrap like a Mediterranean burrito and enjoy! DELICIOUS!

Creative Consideration:

• For a delicious cucumber dill salad dressing, thin the Tzatziki sauce with milk until it's your desired texture. 

Yum