Falafel in pitta with yoghurt sauce

1

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra for frying
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large red pepper, finely chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 (400g) cans chickpeas, drained
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1/2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 5 tbsp flour
  • 50g freshly chopped parsley leaves
  • 20g freshly chopped coriander leaves
  • Pittas, for sandwich
  • Toppings: shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, sliced cucumber
  • Yogurt sauce, recipe follows

  • For the yoghurt sauce:

  • 240ml natural yoghurt
  • 1/2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp freshly chopped coriander leaves
  • 2 tsp freshly chopped parsley leaves
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin

Use imperial measurements

Method

How to make Falafel in pitta with yoghurt sauce

1) In medium frying pan over a medium heat, add 2 tbsp of the oil and sweat the onion and peppers, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2) In a food processor, pulse together the chickpeas, chilli flakes, ground cumin, egg, salt and black pepper to form a coarse consistency. Add the flour, parsley and coriander and pulse until mixture starts pulling from the sides of the food processor.

3) Remove the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the onion/pepper/garlic mixture. Chill the falafel dough until ready to cook.

4) Roll the falafel dough into 2cm rounds then form the rounds into an oblong quenelle shape, like a rugby ball.

5) In a heavy-bottomed frying pan heat 1cm of oil over a medium heat to 180C. Cook the falafel balls, a few at a time, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Be sure to turn them so they do not burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt while still hot.

6) Open the pitta bread along one side to make pockets. Place 3 to 4 falafels inside. Stuff with lettuce, tomato and cucumbers and drizzle yoghurt sauce generously on the inside. Serve immediately.

Yoghurt sauce:
1) Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl and chill until ready to use.
Yield: 240ml

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