Falafel with tahini sauce

Falafel with Tahini Sauce: A Delicious Treat Full of Flavor and Health

Do you enjoy simple and tasty recipes that blend tradition with health? Then falafel with tahini sauce is the perfect choice for you! This recipe is not only delicious but also provides an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it a fantastic option for vegans and vegetarians. Let's embark on a journey through flavors and discover how to prepare the most delicious chickpea fritters!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 30 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients needed for falafel:

- 250 g chickpeas (soaked overnight and drained)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Zest of one small lemon
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small bunch of fresh parsley or coriander leaves
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- Oil for frying

For the tahini sauce:

- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 teaspoon tahini
- Juice of half a lemon
- A mixture of dried mint, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper

Step 1: Preparing the chickpeas

Start the night before: soak the chickpeas in cold water, adding a little baking soda. This simple trick not only helps the chickpeas become softer but also improves their digestibility. The next day, drain the chickpeas and get ready to transform them into delicious fritters.

Step 2: Grinding the ingredients

Put the chickpeas in a food processor. Add a pinch of salt and blend until you achieve a fine texture, similar to breadcrumbs. Don't rush! It's essential for the chickpeas to be well-ground to achieve the perfect texture.

Add the chopped onion, garlic, parsley (or coriander, depending on your preference), and spices. Continue blending until everything becomes a homogeneous paste, but still grainy. This consistency will give the falafel a wonderful texture.

Step 3: Seasoning and shaping the fritters

Once you have the desired mixture, transfer everything to a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. We recommend not overdoing the salt, as the tahini sauce will add extra flavor. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized fritters and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step is essential for maintaining their shape during frying.

Step 4: Frying the falafel

In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fritters; you can check this by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil – if it sizzles, it's ready! Fry the fritters on each side until they become golden and crispy. Remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Preparing the tahini sauce

While the fritters cool slightly, prepare the tahini sauce. Mix the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and spices. If the sauce is too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of warm water to achieve a smoother consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Serving

Falafel is delicious served warm, alongside tahini sauce. We recommend pairing it with a fresh salad full of colorful vegetables or with warm flatbreads for a tasty sandwich. You can also add a yogurt and mint sauce for a refreshing touch.

Tips and variations

If you want to experiment, you can add other ingredients to the falafel mixture, such as grated carrot or zucchini, to give it a different flavor. For a spicier version, add a pinch of ground chili pepper to the mixture.

For a healthier alternative to frying, you can bake the fritters in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius, place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly brush them with oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning.

Nutritional benefits

Falafel is an excellent source of plant protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Chickpeas are rich in iron and magnesium, and the combination with tahini sauce adds calcium and healthy fats. This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious, with a moderate caloric intake that can vary depending on the cooking method.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned chickpeas?
Of course! If you don't have time to soak the chickpeas, you can use canned chickpeas, but make sure to drain and rinse them well before use.

2. How can I store falafel?
Falafel can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or in a pan.

3. Can I freeze falafel?
Sure! You can freeze the raw fritters, and then fry them directly from the freezer. This way, you always have a healthy snack on hand.

I hope I have inspired you to try this delicious falafel with tahini sauce recipe! It is a versatile dish that you can adapt to your tastes. Enjoy its flavors and don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family! Enjoy your meal!