Description
Enjoy a taste of Middle Eastern street food right in your kitchen with these delightful Falafel Pitas, complete with a creamy tahini sauce. Crispy chickpea fritters nestled in soft pita bread make for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
- 4 pita breads
- For the Tahini Sauce:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not a paste.
- Add the flour to the food processor and pulse a few more times to combine.
- Shape the mixture into about 8 small patties or balls.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the falafel patties in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
- While the falafel is frying, prepare the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually whisk in the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired drizzling consistency.
- Warm the pita breads. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30 seconds, or by warming them in a dry skillet.
- To assemble, spread a layer of tahini sauce inside each pita.
- Add 2-3 falafel patties to each pita.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Middle Eastern street food!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of sumac to the falafel mixture.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop all ingredients by hand and mix them in a bowl.
- You can bake the falafel instead of frying. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Feel free to add your favorite toppings like chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or pickled onions to your pitas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita with falafel and sauce
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies