September 11th, 2019

Falafel Pita Wrap

SERVINGS: 6
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
DIETARY: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free (w/o tzatziki), Gluten-Free (w/o pita)
PREP/COOK TIME: 25 min/20 min

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Falafel

• 16 oz. dried garbanzo beans (or canned)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 c. parsley
• 1/2 yellow onion
• 1 tbsp. dried oregano
• 1 tbsp. dried thyme
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 pan of neutral oil for frying

Tzatziki Sauce

• 2 c. greek yogurt 
• 3 lemons, juiced
• 1/3 c. fresh dill, chopped 
• 1/2 cucumber, chopped very fine or grated
• 1 clove garlic, chopped very fine
• salt and pepper

Pita Garnish

• Toasted pita wraps
• Sliced tomatoes 
• Sliced red onions
• Parsley
• Sliced radish

1. Make the sauce by putting all of the tzatziki ingredients in a bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.  Place in the fridge overnight for best results.
2. If you use dried garbanzo beans, soak them in water overnight (about an inch over the beans) before using OR boil them in hot water until slightly tender, but still firm.  You can use canned garbanzo beans and skip this step.
3. Put the beans in a food processor or blender and pulse until the beans resemble tiny pellets (don't blend smooth or you won't have texture).  Place in a bowl.  Put the rest of the ingredients in a food processor and pulse the same way.  Put those ingredients in the same bowl and mix until it is evenly distributed and you can form thick patties or balls.  Form the falafels however you want an place on a tray.
4. Heat the oil in a pan or pot until about 375 degrees F.  Place about 4-5 falafels in the oil so you don't overcrowd the pan and lower the temperature.  If shallow frying, flip the falafel after 2 minutes or brown on one side.  If deep frying, flip until evenly brown.  Once each batch is done frying, place on a wire rack over a tray and sprinkle with some salt.
5. After all of the falafels are done (they should be crunchy on the outside and moist inside), place a couple inside the toasted pita bread and add the vegetables and add the tzatziki.  You can also put it in a salad without the pita bread.

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Me Cuisine Tips

• Some of the aspect of this wrap aren't traditional, but they taste like they are and are extremely moist!
• You can bake the falafel, but it won't be as tender because the beans can get dry.
• Pickled radishes pair perfectly with this recipe.
• Hot sauce is a good contrast with the creamy sauce and reminds me of halal trucks in New York City.