Gluten-Free Homemade Falafel--w/ Tahini Sauce

Falafel is very popular in the Middle East as a fast food. Vendors sell it on the street corners in Cairo. As a main dish, it is served as a sandwich, stuffed
in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini. As an appetizer, it is served on a salad, or with hummus and tahini. Falafel is a favorite among vegetarians.

In Egypt, McDonald's has their version of a falafel sandwich. Can you guess the name? McFalafel, of course.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes total

Ingredients: Serves 4.

1 Can Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans.
(16 Oz. Can Drained)
1 Med Red Onion, Diced
2 + Cloves Garlic, Diced
3 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, Chopped
3 Tbsp Cilantro, Chopped
1 Tsp Coriander
1 Tsp Cumin
1 Tsp Ground Red Pepper
2 + Tsp Garbanzo Bean Flour Or Garfava Flour
1 Large Egg, Beaten (optional-depending on consistency of mixture or if you are a vegetarian)use Egg Replacer according to pkg. directions for 1 egg

Salt
Pepper
Oil For Frying
Preparation:

Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper (to taste) in medium bowl.

Mash chickpeas, ensuring to mix ingredients together.

You want the result to be a thick paste.

Add flour.

Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Slightly flatten.

Fry in 2 inches of oil at 350 ° F until golden brown (5-7 minutes).

Serve hot.

Serving Suggestion
Falafel can be served as an appetizer with hummus and tahini, or as a main course. Stuff pita bread with falafel, lettuce, tomatoes, tahini, salt and pepper. As an alternative, falafel can be formed into patties and served like a burger.

Tahini Sauce

Tahini sauce is made from tahini - a sesame seed paste. Tahini sauce is thinner and used in pita sandwiches, marinades, and dips. Tahini sauce is very easy to make. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will keep for about two weeks.

Ingredients:

½ Cup Tahini (Sesame Seed Paste)
3 Cloves Garlic, Crushed And Chopped
½ Tsp Sea Salt
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
¼ Cup Lemon Juice
1 Tsp Parsley, Finely Chopped (Optional)
Water as Needed To Thin Out

Preparation:

In a bowl, combine garlic and tahini. Add kosher salt.

Add olive oil and lemon juice. If too thick, add a teaspoon of warm water until desired consistency.

It should be spreadable or thinner as a dressing. That’s up to you.