By Saba Abay, Saba’s Kitchen
Falafel is a nutritionally dense and delicious family meal
Falafel is a favorite in our household, and it’s easy to see why. It’s nutritiously dense, it’s incredibly flavorsome, and it’s easy to prepare. Please note this makes a large batch that you can freeze (about 24) or you can half all the ingredients if you wish to make a smaller amount.
Of particular note is the chickpeas. According to researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital, eating one serving a day of beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils can significantly reduce “bad cholesterol” and therefore the risk of cardiovascular disease. Healthline reports that chickpeas have a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, and may improve digestion, help with weight management and reduce the risk of several diseases. Chickpeas are high in protein and make an excellent replacement for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets.
Ingredients
200g dry chickpeas (soaked overnight)
3 cloves of garlic
3 medium sweet potatoes, roasted
1 tbsp sumac
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 onion finely chopped
1 tbsp cumin
1 fresh chilli deseeded and chopped
Handful of baby leeks
100grams of chickpea flour
A handful of fresh parsley
A handful of fresh coriander
Method
Place the chickpeas in a food processor along with the oil, herbs, chilli, sweet potatoes and leeks. Whizz until a chunky purée is formed
Fold in the flour and all the dry spices
Heat your oven and line a large tray with greaseproof paper
Using clean hands, make little round patties and place them on the prepared try
Bake for 10-15 minutes on 180degree oven turning on both sides
Once golden and crispy on the outside serve on a bed of freshly made beets salad with lots of lemon juice and fresh coriander
For the salad
Wash 100g of salad leaves
Half of a small red onion sliced
Handful of fresh coriander chopped
50g cooked beets in vinegar sliced
2 medium salad tomatoes sliced
1 avocado (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of of salt
1 tbsp toasted sesame seed to garnish
Mix all the ingredients together and drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil, then sprinkle the sesame seed and serve.
Saba Abay
Saba is London based vegetarian who loves all things healthy and homemade. As a busy working mum she like meals that don’t require too much prep or cooking time. Cooking and creating recipes for her family is a form of meditation for her.
