Falafel Pitas with Tzatziki Sauce
Total Time: 01h 00m
Hands-on Time: 01h 00m
Makes: 8 servings
These flavorful pitas are stuffed with spiced falafel and crisp vegetables, then topped with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce.
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Ingredients
- 1/2 pound dry chickpeas, soaked overnight then drained
- 1/2 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Frontier Co-op® Sea Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Frontier Co-op® Ground Cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon Frontier Co-op® Cayenne Chili Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Frontier Co-op® Ground Coriander Seed
- 1/4 teaspoon Frontier Co-op® Black Pepper
- 1 large cucumber, 1/2 grated + 1/2 sliced
- 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Grapeseed oil, for frying
- 3/4 teaspoon Frontier Co-op® Baking Powder
- 4 pitas sliced in half to form 8 pockets
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cups arugula
Directions
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, flour, 1 teaspoon salt, cumin, cayenne, coriander and black pepper. Pulse until mixture begins to stick to itself, being careful not to over process into a puree. Cover and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki sauce.
- Squeeze liquid out of the grated cucumber, then place in a large bowl. Add yogurt, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, dill and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.
- In a large pan over medium heat, heat about 2 inches of grapeseed oil to 350 degrees. While the oil is heating, in a small bowl, combine baking powder and water. Whisk until well combined.
- Remove falafel mixture from the refrigerator and stir in baking powder solution. Use your hands to form the falafel mixture into 32 walnut-sized balls. Working in batches, fry falafel in oil for 4 to 5 minutes total, turning once. Place cooked falafel onto a paper towel lined plate to drain. Allow oil to return to temperature between batches. (Note: The mixture may only loosely form into patties or balls. That's okay as the falafel will stick together well once it hits the hot oil.)
- To prepare the sandwiches, spread the tzatziki sauce into the inside of each halved pita. Place 4 falafel into each pocket. Top with cucumber, tomato and arugula. Serve immediately.
