BAKED FELAFEL SANDWICHES

Baked Felafel Sandwiches image

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

One 15-ounce can chickpeas, preferably low-sodium, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
1/4 cup parsley leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup pure tahini paste (sesame paste) (available at Middle Eastern stores)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 to 4 tablespoons water, plus more if necessary
1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
Two 4-ounce tomatoes, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 medium cucumber, seeded, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
4 whole-wheat pita pocket breads, sliced open

Steps:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Combine all felafel ingredients except 1 tablespoon olive oil in the bowl of a food processor. Process for 10 seconds. Stop motor and scrape down sides of bowl, then pulse for another 10 seconds, until all ingredients are well incorporated but mixture is still slightly coarse and grainy. Form mixture into 16 felafel balls and brush with remaining tablespoon olive oil. Bake on a cookie sheet for 20 minutes, flip felafel balls and bake an additional 20 minutes, until felafel balls are crisp and browned.
Combine tahini, lemon juice and water and stir to incorporate, adding more water to achieve desired consistency. Reserve.
Toss together lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers in a bowl. Warm pita breads for 2 minutes in oven. Fill each pita with 3/4 cup salad, 4 felafel balls and 1/4 cup tahini sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 550, Fat 26 grams, SaturatedFat 3.5 grams, Sodium 705 milligrams, Carbohydrate 68 grams, Fiber 13 grams, Protein 19 grams