Glorious Mediterranean Falafel Platter with Fresh Veggies and Homemade Tahini Sauce

Glorious Mediterranean Falafel Platter with Fresh Veggies and Homemade Tahini Sauce

This dish offers a delightful burst of flavors from the Mediterranean. Falafel, a traditional Middle Eastern food made from ground chickpeas, is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, providing a healthy and delicious meal. Accompanied by fresh vegetables and a creamy homemade tahini sauce, this platter is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a healthy snack.

Ingredients:

For the Falafel:
– 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight or at least 12 hours)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
– ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– ½ tsp baking powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying

For the Tahini Sauce:
– ½ cup tahini
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– ¼ cup lemon juice
– 2-4 tbsp water (as needed for desired consistency)
– Salt to taste

For the Platter:
– Fresh lettuce leaves
– Sliced cucumber
– Diced tomatoes
– Sliced red onions
– Pickled turnips (optional)
– Warm pita bread or flatbread

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Falafel Mixture:
1. Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas.
2. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pulse until the mixture is coarse, not a paste. The mixture should hold together when formed into a ball. If it is too dry, add a bit of water, and if too wet, add a bit of flour.

2. Shape and Fry Falafel:
1. Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
3. Fry the falafel balls in batches until golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
4. Remove and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Tahini Sauce:
1. In a bowl, whisk together tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Gradually add water as needed to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.

4. Assemble the Platter:
1. On a large serving platter, arrange lettuce leaves as a bed.
2. Add the sliced cucumber, diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, and pickled turnips around the edge.
3. Place the warm falafel balls in the center.
4. Drizzle with tahini sauce.

5. Serve:
Serve the falafel platter with warm pita or flatbread on the side. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious meal that brings the tastes of the Mediterranean to your table!