Crispy falafel pita with creamy tahini sauce, fresh cucumber, lettuce, and tomatoes served as a homemade Middle Eastern lunch recipe.

Crispy Falafel Pita with Tahini Sauce

Edward Tracy recipe author portrait in a modern kitchen
Edward TracyRecipe Author
Ingredients
4
Person(s)
  • 2 cup
    Dried chickpeas
  • 1 small
    Yellow onion
  • 4
    Garlic clove,
  • 1/2 cup
    Fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup
    Fresh Cilantro
  • 2 tbsp
    All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp
    Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp
    Ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp
    Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp
    Salt
  • 1/2 tsp
    Black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp
    Baking Powder
  • 3 tbsp
    Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cup
    Tahini
  • 1/4 cup
    Fresh lemon juice
  • 1
    Garlic clove,
  • 3-5 tbsp
    Cold water
  • 4 pcs
    Pita breads
  • 1 cup
    Sliced cucumber
  • 1 cup
    Chopped lettuce
  • 1/2 cup
    Diced tomatoes
Directions
  • Prepare the Falafel Mixture

    Add soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes finely ground and holds together when pressed. Avoid blending into a smooth paste because falafel needs a slightly coarse texture. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and mix in flour, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to help the falafel hold its shape.

  • Shape and Cook the Falafel

    Shape the mixture into small patties, about 2 tablespoons each. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place falafel patties in the pan and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer cooked falafel to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

  • Make the Tahini Sauce and Prepare Pita

    In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Slowly add cold water while mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Warm pita bread in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side until soft and flexible.

  • Assemble the Falafel Pita

    Slice each pita open and fill with lettuce, cucumber slices, tomatoes, and crispy falafel. Drizzle generously with homemade tahini sauce. Finish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while the falafel is warm and crispy.

Nutritions
  • Calories:
    430
  • Protein:
    16 g
  • Carbohydrates:
    58 g
  • Fat:
    18 g
  • Fiber:
    12 g
  • Sugar:
    5 g
  • Sodium:
    620 mg
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