Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce

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Popular Middle East fast food recipe served with tahini sauce and pita bread.

Ingredients:

1 cup Chickpeas, soaked overnight      

1 onion, chopped

2-3 garlic cloves, chopped       

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped  

1/4 cup bread crumbs  

1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder  

1/4 tsp black pepper powder   

1/2 tsp chilli flakes       

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt to taste

For Tahini paste

1/3 cup sesame seeds (til)

1/8 cup olive oil

• Roast the sesame seeds on a tava (griddle) for a few seconds, cool and blend with oil to a smooth paste. (Do not brown)

 For Tahini sauce:

1/2 cup tahini paste

1/4 cup water

2 tbsp olive oil

1 lemon, zest and juice

1 tbsp minced garlic

Salt to taste

1 tsp dried parsley

•  Blend all the above ingredients until smooth and take out in a small bowl.

Method:

• Drain and put the chickpeas in a mixer jar. Add garlic and onions and grind without adding any water. Transfer into a bowl.
• Add other ingredients and mix well.
• Shape the mixture into small balls and flatten slightly.
• Brush with olive oil on both the sides. Refrigerate them for 1/2 hour to firm the ingredients.
• Pre-heat the oven to 200 ºC. Grease the baking tray. Cook the falafel for 10 minutes on the first side.
• Carefully flip them with a spatula and the cook on the second side for 15 more minutes. A light golden crust will appear on the outside.
• When the falafel is done, serve with tahini sauce and pita bread.