Falafel

Middle Eastern chickpea fritters

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups cooked chickpeas
• 3 scallions, coarsely chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
• 1 egg
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt, to taste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3 cup flour, plus 1/4 cup flour for shaping patties
• Vegetable oil, for frying

White Bean Sauce

• 3/4 cup cooked white beans
• 1 small garlic clove, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, scallions, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne, parsley, cilantro, egg, and lemon juice. Pulse to combine and season with salt. The mixture will not be smooth, but it should not have large chunks. Add in the baking powder and 1/3 cup of the flour and pulse to just combine. Remove to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the white bean sauce. Puree the white beans, garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil in a mini food processor until very smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Remove the chickpea mixture from the refrigerator. Add enough oil to a large saute pan so it reaches 1/2-inch up the sides and heat it over medium-high heat until an inserted thermometer reads 360° F. Meanwhile, drop spoonfuls of the chickpea mixture onto a plate with 1/4 cup flour. Roll into balls on the floured plate and press gently into patties.

Fry in batches of hot oil for about 3 to 4 minutes each side and drain on paper towels. Serve in pitas with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, pickled onions, harissa, and white bean sauce.