A vegetarian favorite! This falafel is so easy to make and always a hit. With just a few ingredients, fresh vegetables and herbs you can have one tasty dinner.

Ingredients for falafel:

• 2 cups chickpeas
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• ¾ cup fresh cilantro
• 1 small onion, quartered
• 5 garlic cloves, peeled
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) I like everything spicy!
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Oil for frying

Toppings:

• Cucumbers, chopped or diced
• Tomatoes, chopped or diced
• Lettuce of choice. I like chopped spring mix personally! The greener, the better.
• Store bought tzatziki sauce (you can make your own if you wish!)

Don’t forget to buy a good pita bread, or pita pockets!

Instructions:

1. Add the chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic and spices into a food processor. Proceed until fully combined.
2. Transfer the falafel mixture to a container and cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Just before frying, add the baking powder to the mixture.
4. Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and form into small balls ½ inch in thickness.
5. Fill a medium saucepan 3 inches up with vegetable oil. Heat the oil on medium-high. Be sure to wait and make sure your oil is hot before dropping the balls! Carefully drop the falafel balls in the oil, let them fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. Do not over crowd the falafel in the pan, fry them in batches.
6. Place the fried falafel balls onto a paper towel lined plate to absorb access oil.
7. Time to assemble the falafel balls in pita bread or pita pocket with your toppings. Enjoy!