Description
Crispy Falafel Pita Pockets are a delightful Middle Eastern dish that combines the rich flavors of falafel with the convenience of pita bread, stuffed with fresh vegetables and a creamy yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Fresh herbs (like dill or mint) for garnish
- Pita bread (4 pieces)
- Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Soak the chickpeas overnight in water.
- Drain the chickpeas and blend them with onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper until well combined but slightly coarse.
- Shape the mixture into balls or patties.
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry the falafel until golden brown and crispy.
- Warm the pita bread and cut it in half to create pockets.
- Stuff each pita pocket with falafel, fresh vegetables, and drizzle with yogurt sauce.
Notes
- Use dried chickpeas for better texture and flavor.
- For a healthier option, bake the falafel instead of frying.
- Vegan alternatives can be used for the yogurt sauce.
- Gluten-free options are available by using gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita pocket
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Falafel, Pita, Yogurt Sauce, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian