Savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delicious Falafel Pita Sandwich with Cucumber Sauce! Made with crispy, golden-brown falafel balls crafted from a perfectly spiced mixture of soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warm spices, this sandwich is a vegetarian delight that's both hearty and satisfying. The creamy cucumber yogurt sauce, infused with dill and lemon, adds a refreshing tang that beautifully complements the rich falafel. Nestled in warm pita bread and loaded with crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices, this easy-to-prepare recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party dish. With a prep time of just 20 minutes, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effortβideal for weeknight meals or an impressive addition to your Mediterranean-inspired menu!
Soak the dried chickpeas in cold water overnight or for at least 12 hours. Drain and rinse them before use.
In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and baking soda. Pulse until the mixture is coarse and holds together when pressed. Do not over-process into a paste.
Add the flour to the chickpea mixture and pulse a few more times to combine.
Shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Meanwhile, prepare the cucumber sauce. Grate the cucumber, then place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess water.
In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat until it reaches 350Β°F (175Β°C). Carefully drop the falafel balls into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
Fry the falafel for about 3-4 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or oven.
Slice the tomato and prepare the lettuce leaves.
To assemble, open each pita bread and spread a generous spoonful of cucumber sauce inside. Add a few falafel balls, tomato slices, and lettuce. Serve immediately.
Calories |
5286 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 440.9 g | 565% | |
| Saturated Fat | 64.7 g | 324% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 271.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 24 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 5313 mg | 231% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300.4 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 54.5 g | 195% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.6 g | ||
| Protein | 92.2 g | 184% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 721 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 27.0 mg | 150% | |
| Potassium | 3644 mg | 78% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.