Falafel with Tzatziki & Spinach Salad
Ingredients
- 1 Medium Oil
- 1 15 Oz can of chickpeas
- 1 Cucumber
- 4 Oz Carrot
- 1 Lemon
- 4 Oz Greek yogurt
- 1/4 Oz garam masala
- 2 Mediterranean pitas
- 3 oz baby spinach
- Kosher salt & pepper
- Olive oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 c all-purpose flour
Directions
- Prep the ingredients. Chop 1/2 onion. Drain and rinse chickpeas. Coarsely grate cucumber, place between paper towel to drain moisture.
- Finely grate carrots, and place in bowl.
- Zest the lemon and squeeze 1 Tablespoon of juice into a bowl. Cut the remaining lemon into wedges.
- Make the tzatziki & dressing. Combine yogurt, grated cucumbers, salt and pepper in a bowl. In the bowl with the lemons, stir in 2 tablespoons of oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook Onions. Heat a pan with 2 tablespoons of oil, medium to high heat. Add chopped onions and cook until brown and tender. 3 minutes. Stir in 31/2 teaspoons of garam masala; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl.
- Form falafel. Add chickpeas to a bowl with cooked onions. Mash chickpeas with potato masher until chickpeas form a coarse paste. Stir in grated carrots, lemon zest, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup off flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Form 8 3-inch patties with wet hands.
- Toast pita. Brush olive oil on both sides of the pita, and toast pitas in a skillet one at time. 1 minute per side. Wrap in foil to keep warm.
- Fry falafel. Heat a skillet with 1/8-inch oil. Working in batches, fry falafel in shimmer oil. 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper towel line plate and sprinkle with salt.
- Toss spinach with dressing. Serve pitas topped with spinach salad, falafel, and tzatziki. Garnish with lemon.
Coach’s Tips
Hello, Angels Working on Earth Family,
Today’s tasting feature is falafel, an exquisite Mediterranean dish that promises to delight your senses and transport you to a sun-soaked market. Each falafel is meticulously crafted from carefully selected, seasoned chickpeas, which are ground to perfection and shaped into small patties. The frying process creates a delectably crispy exterior that yields to a fluffy, herb-infused interior, delivering a satisfying texture with every bite.
Accompanying this dish are vibrant, crunchy cucumbers and julienned, colorful carrots, providing a refreshing contrast that elevates the overall experience. A luscious lemon yogurt sauce, drizzled generously over the falafel, bursts with zesty brightness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
Nestled alongside are fresh baby spinach leaves, their crispness enhancing the dish along with the aromatic garam masala—a tantalizing blend of spices that adds a complex earthiness and warm undertone, inviting your palate on a flavorful journey.
Served with warm, fluffy pitas that are perfect for scooping and savoring each element of the dish, this meal not only offers a feast for the senses but also encourages you to embrace the adventure of exploring new, bold spices. Don’t miss this chance to indulge in a truly unique culinary experience!
With Love Always