Falafel

Here is the Veggie Kitchen version of the popular Middle Eastern food known as Falafel. The added veggie pulp gives these Falafels a lighter texture and a boost in nutrition and flavor.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes about 30 patties

Ingredients:

1 12 oz box of Falafel mix
3/4 cup of water
1/2 of a small onion (red or yellow)
1 small zucchini
1 carrot (peeled)
Vegetable Oil for frying

Preparation:

Combine the Falafel mix with the water, mix well and set aside.
Put the onion, zucchini and carrot in a food processor and pulse until the veggies turn to a chunky pulp.
Add the veggie pulp to the Falafal batter, mix well and let stand for 10 minutes.
Pour vegetable oil ½” deep or so into a wok or skillet on a medium high heat.
Shape the falafel mix into small patties.
Place the patties into the hot oil and fry about 1 minute on each side until brown and crisp.
Place patties on paper towels to drain off excess oil then serve.

Cook’s Note:

Serve the Falafel patties on pita bread and garnish with hummus, lettuce, tomato and cucumber, pickles or even hot sauce. The Falafel mix is generally made from garbanzo beans, fava beans, split peas and wheat flour. It is a delicious staple that just might be the original veggie burger!