Falafel Sandwiches with Sesame Mint Yogurt Sauce (Dave Lieberman) |
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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 8 Minutes |
Ready In: 28 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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Ingredients:
2 (15-ounce) cans garbanzo beans ( chickpeas), drained and rinsed |
3 to 4 tablespoons, plus 1/2 cup all-purpose flour |
1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves |
1/2 cup packed fresh parsley leaves |
2 cloves garlic |
1 teaspoon ground cumin |
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper |
1 large egg, lightly beaten with a fork |
salt and pepper |
3 quarts vegetable oil, for frying |
3 good quality pita breads, cut in 1/2 |
sesame mint yogurt sauce, recipe follows |
1 english cucumber, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces |
1 small head iceberg lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces |
1 small red onion, thinly sliced |
1 green pepper, seeded and chopped into bite-sized pieces |
2 cups plain whole-milk yogurt, preferably greek-style |
1 bunch mint leaves, finely chopped |
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil |
1 lemon, zested and juiced |
salt and pepper |
Directions:
1. Fixings:
2. In a food processor, combine the garbanzo beans, 3 to 4 tablespoons flour, herbs, garlic, cumin, cayenne, egg, and salt and pepper; pulse together until almost smooth. Transfer mixture to bowl. The mixture should be firm enough to form balls; if not, add additional flour as needed. Shape mixture into balls about 2 inches in diameter. Toss in remaining 1/2 cup flour to coat all over. Set aside until oil is hot enough to fry.
3. Heat oil over medium-high heat until about 375 degrees F. Test with some extra falafel mix to see if the temperature is right; it should sink and rise to the surface and float. Add falafel balls in batches so as not to crowd them and cook until crisp and golden, about 8 minutes. Carefully remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
4. Fill pita halves with a few falafel balls, cucumber, lettuce, onions and peppers, and top with yogurt sauce.
5. Sesame Mint Yogurt Sauce:
6. Combine all ingredients in a bowl until well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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