Falafel

Ingredients

Falafel:

• 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and patted dry
• 1/2 small onion, roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, about a handful
• Canola oil, for frying

Fixings:

• 4 pita breads
• Chopped tomato, for garnish
• Shredded Iceberg lettuce
• Tahini sauce or hummus

Directions

Combine all falafel ingredients except oil in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse mixture until coarsely ground. Transfer to a bowl or container and refrigerate, covered, for several hours.

Form the falafel mixture into balls about the size of walnuts and press to flatten.

Heat 4 inches of oil to 375 degrees F in a deep pot or deep fryer. Fry about 6 balls at once for about 4 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Stuff each pita with 4 falafel balls, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, and tahini.