Falafel Wraps

Falafel Wraps

Falafel wraps are a delicious and healthy Middle Eastern dish that consists of crispy falafel balls wrapped in a soft flatbread, accompanied by fresh vegetables, and drizzled with a tangy tahini sauce. These wraps are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

Appliances and Special Utensils

• Food processor
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Baking sheet (if baking falafel)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula
• Tongs
• Parchment paper (optional)

Ingredients

For Falafel:
– 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
– 1 small onion, roughly chopped
– 3 cloves garlic
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– 3-4 tbsp flour or chickpea flour (as needed)
– Vegetable oil for frying

For Wraps:
– 4-6 large flatbreads or pita breads
– 1 cup chopped lettuce
– 1 cup chopped tomatoes
– 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup pickles (optional)

For Tahini Sauce:
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup water (or more for desired consistency)
– 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Prepare Falafel Mixture: Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but holds together when pressed. If too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time.

2. Shape Falafel Balls: Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1-2 inches in diameter. If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the falafel on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Cook Falafel:

   • Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the falafel balls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
   • Baking: Bake the falafel for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

4. Prepare Tahini Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, and salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.

5. Assemble Wraps: Warm the flatbreads or pita breads in a dry pan or microwave. Spread a generous amount of tahini sauce on each flatbread. Add a few falafel balls, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and pickles.

6. Wrap and Serve: Fold the sides of the flatbread over the fillings and roll up to form a wrap. Secure with a toothpick if necessary. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious falafel wraps!