baked falafel bites//tomato-cucumber salsa

These falafel bites are fresh and light, and have a great crunch with the breadcrumb coating to mimic the deep-fried version!

baked falafel bites

3 cloves garlic

1/2 cup red onion

1/3 cup packed fresh cilantro/coriander leaves

1/3 cup packed fresh parsley leaves

425g chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 tbsp ground flaxseed (linseed)

1/4 cup plus 6 tbsp breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp sea salt

tomato-cucumber salsa

1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes

1/4 cup red onions

1/2 cup fresh cilantro/coriander

1 tbsp fresh lime juice

1/2 cup diced cucumber

Sea salt

1. Make the Falafel: preheat the oven to 400F/200C. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a food processor, pulse the garlic to finely chop it. Add the onion, cilantro, and parsley and process until minced. Add the chickpeas and process until the mixture forms a coarse dough and holds together when pressed between your fingers.

3. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the flaxseed, 1/4 cup of the bread crumbs, cumin, and salt until combined.

4. Shape the mixture into small patties, using about 1 tablespoon dough for each and pressing each firmly to hold its shape. Repeat until you have used all of the chickpea mixture.

5. With a pastry brush, brush a few drops of water onto each patty. One at a time, roll the patties in the remaining 6 tablespoons bread crumbs, pressing down on each side so the bread crumbs stick. Repeat until all of the patties have been coated. Place patties onto prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake the falafel until golden brown, about 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through the baking time.

7. Make the Tomato-Cucumber Salsa: in a food processor, combine the tomatoes, onion, and lime juice and process until roughly chopped. Stir in the diced cucumber and salt to taste.

8. To assemble, arrange lettuce leaves in a single layer on a serving tray. Place 1 falafel in the center of each leaf. Top with some of the Tomato-Cucumber Salsa and a drizzle of Lemon-Tahini Dressing.

Enjoy :)

#recipes #vegan #glutenfree #lactosefree #snacks