Vegan Falafel and Tzaiki Bowl

In the summer I found my love for falafels. I never had them before. One night we went to Bok Bar in Philadelphia (it is closed now due to the summer being over) and they were serving Mediterranean food. I had falafels in a gyro and my life changed! A few months later, I went to Zoe's Kitchen and again had falafels on the side of some kabobs. Since I loved them so much, I figured why not make my own and bake them instead of frying them? So I did just that. After researching, they said to use dry chickpeas and soak them to prevent a crumbly falafel. To be honest, I always forget to do it, so a can is much easier for me. Yes, they were crumbly but in a bowl I break it up anyway, so no worries on my end. This tazaiki sauce is made with almond milk yogurt (by Silk), whether you have a milk allergy or going vegan this yogurt is delicious. Plain Greek yogurt would be a great choice as well.  I can't wait to make these again and hope you enjoy as well!

Falafel and Tazaiki Bowl 

Vegan Falafel
Makes: 15 Falafels
Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas (or 1.5 cups dried)*
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro 
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2-3 tbsp olive oil (depending if you need more to hold together) 
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease a baking sheet or use stone.
2. In a food processor, blend all ingredients together, and scraping the sides. Make sure to not over process. 
   
3. Form into balls (about 1.5 inch), slightly flatten into a patty, place on tray, and spray with olive oil or brush with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes, flip and bake for another 10 minutes until brown.
   
4. Remove and let cool before enjoying in pita or in a salad.
   
   
   
   

* Dried chickpeas are better to prevent them from falling apart, but I didn't have them on hand nor the time!

Vegan tazaiki sauce
Ingredients:

• 1 cup Plain almond milk yogurt
• 2 tbsp fresh dill
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, seeds removed and chopped
• 2 tsp lemon juice 
• Sprinkle salt and pepper

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together.
   
2. It is best when sitting in the fridge for 30 minutes or more. 
3. Enjoy topped with falafel.  

Falafel and Tzaiki Bowl 
Included: roasted carrots and eggplant, spring mix, cucumber, red cabbage, grape tomatoes, whole wheat pita, falafel, and tzaiki sauce...DELICIOUS!