Shall We Try a Little International Flair?

Do you like falafel but aren’t crazy about the fact that they’re fried? Here’s a recipe that might be a better alternative but just as tasty.

Falafel is made from chickpeas, aka garbanzo beans. The first time I asked my husband to pick up chickpeas from the store he couldn’t find them but was able to find garbanzo beans. Make sure your designated shopper knows what to look for.

We talked a little about the nutritional benefits of chickpeas in this post. Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber, keeping you fuller longer. They’re relatively low in calories for all the nutritional value you get.

Chickpeas are also low in the glycemic index, which means they are rather slow to raise your blood sugar after you eat them. The protein and fiber in the chickpeas slow down the absorption of sugar into your system. A steadier rate of absorption keeps your blood sugar from spiking. There are several other benefits from eating chickpeas. You can read about them here.

If you don’t typically eat recipes made with chickpeas, I recommend you try some. They are versatile and delicious.

Baked Falafel (adapted from Ornish Kitchen)

This is a healthier alternative to the fried version

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Course Main Course, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Mediterranean

Equipment

• 1 food processor
• oven or air fryer

Ingredients

  

• 1 15 oz can chickpeas drained
• 1/2 cup yellow onion chopped
• 2 tsp garlic minced
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cumin ground
• 1 tsp coriander ground
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper ground
• 3 tbsp Italian parsley chopped
• 3 tbsp cilantro chopped
• 1/4 cup almond flour

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
• If using oven, line baking sheet with parchment
• place drained chickpeas, onion, garlic,cumin,coriander and salt in food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped
• add parsley, cilantro and flour
• blend until herbs and flour are incorporated but don't overdo it
• roll dough into 16 balls and place on baking sheet
• press into circles about 1 1/2 inches in diameter
• bake 15 minutes; turn patties over and bake another 5 minutes until light brown
• if using air fryer press into patties before putting them in the air fryer
• place patties in basket in a single layer and air fry until lightly brown
• you want them to be crispy on the outside and soft in the center

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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