Homemade GF Falafel and Tahini Sauce

[chefhal1]

Falafel

Falafel is very popular in the Middle East as a fast food. Vendors
sell it on the street corners in Cairo. As a main dish, it is served
as a sandwich, stuffed in (GF) pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and
tahini. As an appetizer, it is served on a salad, or with hummus and
tahini. Falafel is a favorite among vegetarians.

In Egypt, McDonald's has their version of a falafel sandwich. Can you
guess the name? McFalafel, of course.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes total

Ingredients: Serves 4.

1 Can Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans. (16 Oz. Can) Drained
1 Med Red Onion, Diced
2 + Cloves Garlic, Diced
3 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, Chopped
3 Tbsp Cilantro, Chopped
1 Tsp Coriander
1 Tsp Cumin
1 Tsp Ground Red Pepper
2 + Tsp Garbanzo Bean Flour Or Garfava Flour
1 Large Egg, Beaten (optional-depending on consistency of mixture or
if you are
a
vegetarian)
You can also use the
equivalent with Egg Replacer
Salt
Pepper
Oil For Frying

Preparation:

Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper
(to taste) in medium bowl.

Mash chickpeas, ensuring to mix ingredients together. You can use a
blender or food processor, but I like to have chunky bits of chickpeas
in my Falafel.

You want the result to be a thick paste.

Add flour.

Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball.
Slightly flatten.

Fry in 2 inches of oil at 350 ° F until golden brown (5-7 minutes).

Serve hot.

Serving Suggestion

Falafel can be served as an appetizer with hummus and tahini, or as a
main course. Stuff pita bread with falafel, lettuce, tomatoes, tahini,
salt and pepper. As an alternative, falafel can be formed into patties
and served like a burger.




Tahini Sauce Recipe

Tahini sauce is made from tahini - a sesame seed paste. Tahini sauce
is thinner and used in pita sandwiches, marinades, and dips. Tahini
sauce is very easy to make. Store it in an airtight container in the
refrigerator and it will keep for about two weeks.

Ingredients:

½ Cup Tahini (Sesame Seed Paste)
3 Cloves Garlic, Crushed And Chopped
½ Tsp Sea Salt
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
¼ Cup Lemon Juice
1 Tsp Parsley, Finely Chopped (Optional)
Water as Needed To Thin Out
Preparation:
In a bowl, combine garlic and tahini. Add kosher salt.

Add olive oil and lemon juice. If too thick, add a teaspoon of warm
water until desired consistency.

It should be spreadable or thinner as a dressing. That’s up to you.