Lemony Summer Harvest Falafel with Smoky Sriracha Tahini
Try this Lemony Summer Harvest Falafel with Smoky Sriracha Tahini recipe.
Try this Lemony Summer Harvest Falafel with Smoky Sriracha Tahini recipe.
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 clove garlic
- 3 cloves garlic
- juice from 1 lemon
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 sp salt
- 1/3 up tahini
- pinch of salt + pepper
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 15oz can)
- 2 cups packed summer greens (i used half kale half collard greens)
- 1/3 up fresh parsley + cilantro together
- zest from same lemon
- 4 tbs chickpea flour (besan)
- 2 tbs hemp oil (or sub extra virgin olive oil)
- 1/8 sp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tbs sriracha
- lacinato kale as a wrap
- Carbohydrate 2.6399895822423 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.178992187375649 g
- Fiber 0.343576045383507 g
- Protein 0.675090937069773 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0194895312373451 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Falafel (17g)
- Sodium 2.26404166588824 mg
- Sugar 2.29641353685879 g
- Trans Fat 0.039296416637326 g
- Calories 14 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a food processor, combine all falafel ingredients (chickpeas, greens, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, chickpea flour, oil, and spices), and pulse until a textured meal is formed. Be careful of overprocessing - the mixture should still have small clumps of chickpeas in it!
- Using an ice cream scoop or by hand, separate falafel mixture into about 12 balls. Use palms to flatten into little disks.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly space out falafel disks.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- When falafel are done, they should be lightly browned on each side.
- Combine all ingredients for the sriracha tahini sauce into a high-speed blender, and blend until smooth. Taste + adjust seasonings as necessary.
- Serve your falafel in big leaves of lacinato kale, drizzled with plenty of sriracha tahini. These would also be delicious in pita or naan wraps, or just on their own!
A Busy Mom's Guide to Effortless Summer Flavors: Lemony Summer Harvest Falafel
Summer is here, and with it comes the whirlwind of activity that defines the lives of many of us, especially moms. Between work, school runs, and the endless to-do list, finding time for a healthy, delicious, and satisfying meal can often feel like an impossible task. But what if I told you there's a way to enjoy vibrant, summery flavors without spending hours in the kitchen? This Lemony Summer Harvest Falafel recipe is my secret weapon for those busy weeknights when nutritious and flavorful food is needed, quickly!
I'm all about shortcuts and efficiency, and this recipe delivers. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times – this recipe is designed for busy people like me. The key is utilizing readily available ingredients. I often keep canned chickpeas in my pantry, meaning this falafel can be on the table within minutes of starting the recipe. The combination of fresh summer greens, vibrant herbs (I love parsley and cilantro!), and a zesty lemon dressing creates a flavor profile that's both refreshing and satisfying, perfect for a warm summer evening. The smoky paprika and sriracha tahini sauce add depth and a delightful kick.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. The falafel themselves are incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap out the greens based on what’s in season or what you have on hand; kale, spinach, or even arugula would be delicious substitutions. And the serving suggestions are just as flexible. I personally love the crunchy texture of lacinato kale as a wrap, but these falafel are equally delightful in pita bread, nestled in a naan wrap, or simply enjoyed on their own as a light lunch or snack.
The sriracha tahini sauce is the star of this dish, providing a creamy, spicy counterpoint to the bright, lemony falafel. It's quick to make, and the intense flavor brings the entire dish together beautifully. I often double the sauce recipe because it's so versatile and delicious. It's great as a dip for vegetables, a dressing for salads, or even just as a tasty condiment for sandwiches.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this recipe is also incredibly healthy. Chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber, keeping you feeling full and energized. The abundance of fresh herbs provides essential vitamins and minerals, while the lemon juice boosts the immune system. It’s a complete meal in itself, satisfying hunger and providing the energy to tackle the endless activities of the day.
So, the next time you're short on time but craving a delicious and nutritious meal, reach for this recipe. It's a simple, yet effective way to inject vibrant summer flavors into your busy routine. Trust me, your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it ahead: The falafel mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This is perfect for those times when you want to prep ahead and avoid a last-minute cooking rush.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the falafel mixture for extra heat. For a milder version, decrease the sriracha in the tahini sauce.
- Get creative with the herbs: Experiment with different herbs like mint, dill, or even basil to add unique flavor profiles to your falafel.
- Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or seeds to the falafel mixture for added texture and nutritional value. I particularly love toasted sunflower seeds.
- Serve it up: Get creative with your serving style. These falafel would be delicious in salads, bowls, or as part of a larger mezze spread.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of summer's bounty, a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients, and a reminder that even amidst the chaos of a busy life, it's possible to savor delicious and nutritious food.
