Waffled Falafel Recipe

Besides just tasting wonderful, these easy waffled falafels are much lower in fat than their deep-fried relatives.

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen

Total:50 minPrep: 30 minCook: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Level: Easy

Ingredients

1/3 cup vegetable oil, plus more for brushing waffle iron
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 large egg whites
2 cloves garlic, halved
One 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
4 pita breads, halved
Chopped lettuce, sliced tomato, cucumbers, onions, pickles, pickled beets and hard-boiled eggs, for topping
1/4 cup store-bought hummus, thinned with water
Hot sauce, for serving

Directions

Special equipment: Waffle iron (preferably for thin waffles)

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (to keep cooked waffles warm).

Combine the oil, cilantro, flour, parsley, baking powder, cumin, salt, coriander, cayenne, egg whites, garlic and chickpeas in a food processor and pulse until smooth.

Lightly brush the top and bottom of the waffle iron with oil. Fill the waffle iron about three-quarters of the way full (some waffle iron should still be showing). Close the lid gently and cook until the falafel is golden brown and firm in the center, 6 to 10 minutes. Keep the cooked falafels warm in the oven or covered with foil on a plate while you make the remaining falafels.

To build the sandwiches, stuff each pita half with a falafel. Add your choice of toppings, drizzle with the hummus and sprinkle with a few dashes of hot sauce.

Cook's Note

The falafels can be frozen in resealable plastic bags for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster oven or 300 degrees F oven until warmed through and crisp.

Copyright 2013 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved