Falafel Pita Pockets with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 250g (1 1/4 cups) dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 15g (3 cloves) garlic, minced
- 45g (1/4 cup) fresh parsley, chopped
- 45g (1/4 cup) fresh cilantro, chopped
- 10g (2 tsp) ground cumin
- 5g (1 tsp) ground coriander
- 5g (1 tsp) baking powder
- 2g (1/4 tsp) cayenne pepper
- 5g (1 tsp) salt
- 60ml (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 100ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil for frying
Tzatziki Sauce
- 250g (1 cup) Greek yogurt
- 200g (1 small) cucumber, grated
- 15g (3 cloves) garlic, minced
- 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
- 15ml (1 tbsp) fresh lemon juice
- 5g (1 tsp) salt
- 5g (1 tsp) fresh dill, chopped
Additional Ingredients
- 4 whole wheat pita breads
- 200g (1 1/2 cups) lettuce, shredded
- 100g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 100g (1/2 cup) red onion, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Falafel Mixture
Drain soaked chickpeas and add them to the food processor along with onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is coarse and grainy, similar to couscous consistency. Avoid making it too smooth. Transfer to a bowl, stir in the flour, and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Shape and Fry the Falafel
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat (around 180°C/350°F). Form the chickpea mixture into golf ball-sized balls (approximately 20g or 3 tbsp each), then slightly flatten them. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Step 3: Preparing Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze to remove excess water), minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and dill. Mix until well incorporated. Let it chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the Pita Pockets
Cut the pita breads halfway open to create pockets. Line each with a good amount of shredded lettuce, a few slices of red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Add 2-3 falafels per pocket and generously drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Your very own Falafel Pita Pockets with homemade Tzatziki Sauce. Enjoy the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine and relish the satisfaction of crafting such a delectable dish. Whether for a quick lunch or a pleasant dinner, this recipe brings authentic taste and culinary enjoyment. Feel free to customize the fillings to your liking and share this delightful recipe with family and friends.
