Easy Baked Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce

If you know me, or even if you don't, I think it's pretty clear I LOVE FOOD! While, I love being in the kitchen, I don't love to make complicated recipes that take so long to make and only seconds to inhale. I want it to be EASY but AMAZING so I can make it whenever I want to, instead of blocking out hours in the kitchen cooking and then cleaning up after the tornado that I created, haha. This Falafel recipe is the best I've had in a very long time. After changing to an oil free diet I was so bummed that I wasn't going to be able to enjoy a lot of things that are traditionally fried. So I've been on a mission to make those recipes and enjoy them in a healthier less gut wrenching way. My body and heart have never been so happy, they tell me daily by the way I feel, haha. That's how this flavorful yet healthy Falafel was born. I used my Air Fryer but that is not a deal breaker, these can be made in the oven (because let's face it and Air Fryer is just a mini convection oven). Let's get started because I'm hungry and these are calling to me.

Here's how it's done
Falafel 
To a food processor add:

• 2 cans of Drained Chickpeas (reserve the liquid of at least one can in case the mixture is too dry)
• 1 small or 1/2 of a large Red Onion
• 1/3 cup Cilantro
• 2-3 cloves of Garlic
• 2 Tablepoons Dried Parsley (you can used 1/4 cup fresh and I would suggest it but I was out and I'm the kind of cook that uses what I have on hand. What can I say I'm a REBEL, lol)
• 2-3 teaspoons Ground Coriander
• 2-3 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 2-3 teaspoon Cumin
• 2-3 teaspoon Onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Process until just combined you may need to scrap the sides and pulse it instead of "letting her rip" so you DON'T make hummus. (I'll link the YouTube video below, you can see the texture. I'd love to see you over there too ;)

Add mixture to a bowl and toss in the following:

• 1 Tablepoon Toasted Sesame seeds 
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder, mix to incorporate
• depending on how wet or dry your falafel mixture is you may need to add a little bit of flour just to help bind it. I did a light dusting of oat flour to the top of the mixture. You can see in the video.
• form mixture into your desired falafel shape

Optional: Coat the falafels with seasoned Panko Bread crumbs, use gluten free if needed (here is one or two that I'll be trying soon). This adds a great crunch that you'd get with the traditional fried falafel.

I used an Air Fryer for this particular batch but I've also made them in the oven. I don't have a preference other than the oven does help when making large batches. But the Air Fryer is faster.

Air Fryer Instructions:
380 degrees for 10 mins, flip then up the temp to 400 for 3-4 mins.
Oven Instructions:
400 degrees for about 20 mins flip if needed and cook for another 5-7 mins. Cook time will depend greatly on your oven.

We wrapped them a fresh vegan oil-free pita that a local bakery makes. If you can't find a good alternative I love to add them on top of a big salad or on top of romaine "boats" topped with the Tzatziki Sauce. I'll just be really honest, I could put this Sauce on a piece of cardboard and be in heaven, lol.

Tzatziki Sauce here's the recipe:

• Grate about a 1/2 cup of cucumber. Give them a squeeze and set aside to drain the liquid out so the end result isn't to runny.

In a blender add and blend on low until smooth

• 1/2 cup Hemp Seeds (I used these)
• 2 Garlic Cloves (you can use garlic powder to taste) 
• Zest of one lemon (optional)
• 1-2 Tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2-3 teaspoons Dried Dill
• Unsweetened Plant Milk or Water gradually add liquid in until desired consistency. I started with 2 Tablespoons. This is to your preference  
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Optional: add a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Add grated cucumber and Hemp Seed mixture to a bowl, mix well, adjust the thickness and seasonings to taste.  I hope you make this and love it as much as we do... so I say that every time? Listen I'm not going to put something on here that we don't love, I'd never do that to you!

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