Falafel with Tahini Dressing

A Middle Eastern specialty made with a well-seasoned ground chick pea mixture, formed into balls and deep-fried. Usually served tucked inside pita bread, sandwich-style, they can also be served as appetizers.

Tip: Plan ahead, the dried chickpeas must be soaked in water overnight before using.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups dried chickpeas
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Oil, for deep-frying

Tahini Dressing:
1/3 cup well-stirred tahini (Middle Eastern sesame paste)
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar

For Serving:
Pita bread
Lettuce, thinly shredded
Cucumbers, thinly sliced
Tomatoes, chopped
Onions, chopped

Cooking Directions:

1. Soak the chickpeas in water overnight.
2. Run chickpeas through food processor. Blend in yellow onion, garlic, sesame seeds parsley, salt, cumin, baking powder, coriander, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, and let stand for 1 hour.
3. Form mixture into balls about 1-inch in diameter. Deep fry in oil until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes.
4. For Tahini Dressing: Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Makes about 1 cup.
5. Serve in pita bread with the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, onions and the Tahini Dressing.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.