Ah, falafel—those golden, crispy morsels that are as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly day. I remember the first time I tried making them at home; I ended up with a kitchen that looked like a chickpea explosion, but the taste was worth every bit of the chaos. Paired with creamy hummus, it’s like a dance of textures and flavors that just makes everything feel right, almost like finding a forgotten twenty in your winter coat pocket.
Steps
- Slice the buns and generously spread hummus on each piece. Arrange them on a baking sheet and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine the remaining hummus, drained white beans, flour, and cilantro. Blend until the mixture becomes paste-like and sticks together, adding more flour if needed.
- Shape the mixture into large balls, coat them with breadcrumbs, and flatten each into patties suitable for sandwiches.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the falafel patties until they are browned and heated through, about 4 minutes on each side.
- Toast the hummus-covered buns in the oven or toaster oven until they are warm.
- Assemble the sandwiches by layering the falafels, cilantro leaves, tomatoes, cucumbers, and arugula on the toasted buns.
Ingredients
- 1 container of Olive Tapenade Hummus (divided)
- 1 can (15 oz) of white beans, well drained
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 2-3 tablespoons of cilantro leaves
- Breadcrumbs for dredging
- Olive oil for cooking
- 4 buns
- Additional Olive Tapenade Hummus for spreading on buns
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Tomatoes, sliced
- Cucumbers, sliced
- Arugula for sandwich filling
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1616kcal | Carbohydrates: 268g | Protein: 64g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 24g | Sodium: 2772mg | Fiber: 32g | Sugar: 24g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of hummus for this recipe?
- Absolutely! While the recipe uses olive tapenade hummus, feel free to use any hummus flavor you prefer.
- What can I use as a substitute for cilantro?
- If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or leave it out altogether for a milder flavor.
- Can these falafels be baked instead of fried?
- Yes, you can bake the falafels in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- How do I ensure the falafel mixture holds together?
- If the mixture seems too wet, you can add more flour gradually until it reaches a paste-like consistency that holds its shape.
- Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
- Definitely! This hummus and falafel sandwich is perfect for vegetarians and can be enjoyed on Meatless Mondays or any day of the week.
Tips
- Adjust Flour for Consistency: Depending on the moisture level of your canned white beans, you might need to add more flour to achieve a paste-like texture that holds together for breading. Start with the suggested amount and gradually add more if necessary.
- Enhance Your Sandwich: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a layer of tzatziki sauce on top of the hummus. This complements the falafel’s flavors and adds a refreshing twist to your sandwich.
- Crispy Falafel Tips: Ensure the olive oil is sizzling hot before adding the falafel patties. This will help achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- Toasting for Texture: Toast the hummus-smeared buns in the oven or toaster oven to add a warm, crunchy texture to your sandwich, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Equipment
- Food Processor – For blending the hummus, white beans, flour, and cilantro into a paste.
- Baking Sheet – To toast the baguette buns with hummus in the oven.
- Non-stick Pan or Skillet – For cooking the falafels in olive oil until browned.