falafel is easier than i thought

Why haven't I ever tried to make falafel before?! Its sooooo easy! and such a good salad topper! And now, I'm addicted. I found a recipe via pinterest and just played around with it, crispy-baked-falafel.

Start by soaking the garbanzo beans. I had no idea that falafel was made with just soaked beans, I was expecting to have to cook them! I soaked mine in the fridge because it is incredibly hot here right now and anything left out too long will go sour, I can't even sprout anything right now! It's too hot! Anyway, I soaked them for a night, and then all day, so double what was recommended. I did this for two reasons, because they were in the fridge, and also because I was afraid they would give me gas if they weren't soaked enough, I've heard horror stories about raw hummus. Anyway, just to be safe I would soak them for 16-20 hours.

• 1 cup dried garbanzo beans, soaked
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 small red onion
• fresh herbs of your choice (I did parsley, basil, and chives because thats what I have in my little garden)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

Combine all ingredients in food processor and blend. I had to do mine in two batches, beans first, then everything else because I have a mini food processor, but if you have a normal one just throw everything in at once.

garbanzo beans

everything else

combine!

Form into little patties, about two inches across. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees F. Carefully flip all of the patties and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

This easy falafel is perfect on a fresh salad, smothered in herbed lemon tahini dressing! And still good tomorrow in a wrap for lunch :)