These deep-fried little balls are filled with chickpeas and a variety of herbs and spices, drizzled in a chipotle-tahini sauce and served with pitas, salad greens and other veggies.
Directions for: Falafel with Chipotle Tahini Dip
Ingredients
Saucecup tahini
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
canned chipotle chile in adobo, finely chopped, plus 2 tsp adobo sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Falafel2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
cup all-purpose flour
cup chopped fresh parsley
cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp baking powder
tsp ground cumin
tsp cayenne
1 scallion, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
Serving suggestions: pita bread, salad greens, shredded carrots, sliced scallion greens
Special equipment: a deep-fry thermometer
Directions
Sauce1. In the bowl of a food processor, add the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, chipotle and adobo sauce and salt and pepper to taste and process until smooth. If it is too thick, add some water a couple tablespoons at a time until it is the consistency of heavy cream. Scrape into a bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Falafel1. Using the same processor bowl, add the chickpeas and process until coarsely ground. Add the flour, parsley, cilantro, baking powder, cumin, cayenne, scallion, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and process until well mixed but not totally smooth. Check the consistency to make sure it will hold together. If it is too dry, add some water a little at a time. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
2. Add about 2 inches of vegetable oil to a deep skillet and heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 325F.
3. Using a small scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out small balls of the falafel mixture and gently drop them into the hot oil. Cook in batches, turning them over from time to time, until golden brown and cooked through, for between 30 and 60 seconds. Drain on paper towels while you cook the rest.
4. To serve: Cut the top off each pita and form a pocket. Drizzle some sauce into each pita and add 4 or 5 falafel pieces. Top with the greens, carrots, scallions and plenty more sauce. Alternatively, build a salad with the vegetables, then top with falafel and sauce.
See more: Fry, Herbs, Legumes, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian