Description
This Falafel Pita Sandwich recipe features crispy homemade falafels made from soaked chickpeas blended with fresh herbs and spices, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Served inside soft pita bread with creamy hummus, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and olives, this sandwich is a delicious, wholesome Middle Eastern-inspired meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Falafel
- 2 cups dried chickpeas
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3/4 cup fresh coriander, chopped
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (add more to taste)
For the Sandwich
- Pita bread
- Hummus
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1/2 cucumber, chopped
- Green or black olives
- Sambal or hot sauce (optional)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Lettuce leaves
- Yogurt sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Soak Chickpeas: Leave the chickpeas soaking overnight, at least 12 hours, to soften them and prepare for blending.
- Prepare Mixture: Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Add them to a food processor and pulse a few seconds to start the blend.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Add finely chopped onion, broccoli florets, fresh coriander, parsley, garlic, coriander powder, cumin powder, black pepper, and salt to the food processor.
- Blend Ingredients: Process until the mixture is well combined but not mushy—this consistency ensures the falafel will hold together when frying yet remain light inside.
- Shape Falafels: Using your hands or a falafel press, form the mixture into palm-sized round balls, neither too small nor too large.
- Fry Falafels: Heat a small amount of neutral oil in a frying pan. Fry the falafels until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, ensuring the inside stays fresh and light.
- Prepare Pita Sandwich: Cut the pita bread in half and spread hummus and sambal or hot sauce if desired. Add chopped tomatoes and cucumber drizzled with olive oil, fresh lettuce leaves, then top with the fried falafels. Garnish with green or black olives and optionally drizzle with yogurt sauce.
Notes
- Soaking chickpeas for at least 12 hours is crucial for proper texture.
- Do not over-blend the falafel mixture to avoid dense falafels.
- Use neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable or canola oil.
- Adding broccoli is an optional twist but adds nutritional value and flavor.
- The falafels can be baked or air-fried as a healthier alternative, but pan-frying yields a traditional crispy texture.
- Adjust salt and spices according to taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 12 hours soaking time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Falafel, Pita Sandwich, Middle Eastern, Chickpeas, Vegetarian, Homemade Falafel
