Vegan Falafel – My Original

Vegan Falafel - My Original

My make ahead version not authentic but, tasty and flavorful – my daughter even ate them cold the next day.  This is my original vegan falafel recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c cooked couscous
• 1 jalapeno, minced
• 2 – 3 T red onion, minced
• 2 T parsley, minced
• 2/3 c sliced toasted almonds
• 1 can drained chickpeas
• 1/2 t crushed red pepper
• 1/2 t cayenne
• 5-6 T tahini
• salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Coarsely grind almonds in food processor, set aside
2. But all ingredients except couscous and almonds in food processor, pulse to desired consistency
3. Add couscous, almonds and pureed mixture to bowl, mix, taste, add more tahini if needed, add more seasoning if desired
4. Shape mixture into small balls, store overnight in refrigerator or cook immediately.
5. Fry falafel in small amount of olive oil for 2 – 3 minutes each side, drain if necessary.
6. Serve with tahini sauce (tahini thinned with water for desired consistency mixed with minced parsley, lime, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper) and whatever else suits your fancy, I served mine in flat bread instead of pita, softer and the family prefers it, with arugula, cucumbers and sliced red onion and a little sriracha for a kick