SPICY BAKED FALAFEL SANDWICHES WITH HOMEMADE TZATZIKI

Spicy Baked Falafel Sandwiches With Homemade Tzatziki image

Provided by TeresaD

Time 30m

Yield 20 patties, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 (14 ounce) cans garbanzo beans, drained (chickpeas)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 tablespoon red chili pepper flakes, crushed
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces Greek yogurt
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded & finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons dill (fresh or dried)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 whole wheat pita bread
1 large tomatoes, sliced
4 large lettuce leaves
red onion, slices and separated into rings

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, then prepare the tzatziki by combining the yogurt, garlic, cucumber*, herbs, lemon juice & salt in a bowl and mixing until well combined. Cover & chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the falafel.
In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas using a fork or a mortar & pestle. Add the onion, garlic, herbs, spices & flour, and mix together to make a thick paste. Roll small amounts if the mixture into ping pong sized balls, then flatten slightly to form small discs.
Line baking sheet with foil. Lightly brush both sides of each falafel disc with the olive oil and place on baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, turning about halfway through the cooking process so they're evenly browned.
Assemble your sandwiches by stuffing each pita pocket with 2-3 falafel pieces and as many veggies as you can fit in there. Drizzle with a generous amount of tzatziki (or hummus, or tahini, for the purists), and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 497.4, Fat 8, SaturatedFat 1.1, Sodium 1836.7, Carbohydrate 93.3, Fiber 16, Sugar 4.6, Protein 18.6