If it’s not fried or in the shape of a ball, is it still considered a falafel? Let me know if I need to rename the recipe.

I’m not a fan of fried balls. There, I said it.

This whole time I thought falafel’s had dairy in them. No? Just me? Figured.

No dairy. No soy. No gluten (lettuce vs. pita). No upset stomach! Bingo!!

I played around with this recipe to make it adaptable depending on what your allergies may be. I did try frying them, the patties, not balls and it was too greasy for me so I ended up baking them. Baking gives them a different texture, almost like a veggies burger, which I personally like. Ok, I really liked. So much that I somehow ended up eating every patty within 24 hours. I feel better now that I got that out of the way. Thanks for listening.

{gluten-free} Instead of the pita, I used a piece of {butter} lettuce that I wrapped around the patties, topped with sliced tomatoes, sprinkled with salt +pepper. I ate about 4 of them and called it lunch. Ok, then 2 more and called it a snack. And before I knew it, they were gone.

Healthy Falafel Pita Bites

{Print this Recipe}

{adapted from Chocolate & Carrots}

Ingredients

• 15 oz can garbanzo beans {aka chickpeas}
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 peeled carrot
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder – I also added 2 garlic cloves
• dash of cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup flour – I use Pamela’s gluten-free flour
• Canola oil for frying – optional
• Pita bread – I used mini pitas from Trader Joes

Directions

Using a food processor, Combine first 9 ingredients and process until blended, but not pureed.

Add in the baking powder and flour, and pulse.  If the dough doesn’t form into a ball, add more flour. Cover the bowl and refrigerate between 1-3 hours.

Form the chickpea mixture into balls or patties – I made mine into patties. You can also use an ice cream scoop to measure. Set formed mixture on a plate or baking sheet.

For frying: Cover a plate with a few paper towels and set aside. Using a pan, heat a layer of oil – medium to high heat. If the balls/patties fall apart, add more flour. Fry about 4-6 balls (depending on the size of your pan) at once for a few minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to the plate with paper towel to drain excess oil.

For Baking: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Bake for 15-20 minutes until nicely browned

Cut pitas in half if they aren’t already. Stuff them with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, bell peppers and falafel balls/patties. Drizzle Tzatziki if you prefer (I don’t) and Enjoy!

Tzatziki Recipe {healthy – mock – version}

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup greek yogurt
• 1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dill
• salt + pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients. That’s it.

{Created/Photographed by With Style and Grace}

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