Dairy-Free Falafel Bites with Tahini Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried chickpeas
• 1/2 medium Onion
• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1/4 cup Tahini
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 1 clove Garlic

Instructions

1. 1Place the 1 cup of dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with at least 4 cups of cold water. Let them soak at room temperature for 8-12 hours, or overnight, until they have doubled in size and softened.
2. 2Drain the 1 cup of soaked chickpeas thoroughly. Peel and roughly chop the 1/2 medium onion. Roughly chop the 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and the 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro. Peel the 3 cloves of garlic. Add the drained chickpeas, chopped 1/2 medium onion, chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of coriander, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a food processor. Process for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is finely ground and holds together when pressed, but is not a smooth paste.
3. 3Using your hands, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the falafel mixture and gently form it into small balls, approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter, or into small patties, about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Place the formed falafel on a plate or baking sheet.
4. 4Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 10-inch or 12-inch skillet over medium heat (approximately 350°F / 175°C). Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place a single layer of falafel balls or patties into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the cooked falafel with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining falafel.
5. 5Peel and finely mince the 1 clove of garlic. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of tahini, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of water, and the minced 1 clove of garlic. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons more water until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. 6Serve the warm falafel bites immediately with the creamy tahini sauce on the side.

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