It was an absolutely gorgeous day yesterday! A sunny and warm 77 degrees, just perfect! When that warmer weather hits I crave a lighter and brighter meal, like this Falafel Pita with Tzatziki Sauce. Crisp and flavorful chickpea fritters stuffed into a pita with shredded lettuce, tomatoes and a fabulous homemade tzatziki sauce.
Sure, a traditional falafel is round in shape but lets be honest, this slightly flatter version just fits so much easier into those pitas. These falafel are hearty, healthy and packed with great flavor! Chickpeas, garlic, cumin, fresh parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper and some flour to bind it all together. I love the crisp crust that forms while these are shallow pan fried.
The tzatziki sauce really just makes this dish in my opinion. A good sauce can really bring a dish up a couple notches and I believe this is one of those sauces. I used a light sour cream as the base {you can use the more traditional plain Greek yogurt} mixed with fresh dill, lemon zest, garlic, cucumber, salt & pepper. Its bright and refreshing and so versatile. This sauce is amazing on grilled chicken as well!
Meat lovers, you won’t even miss the meat… this is a great meal to work into your weekly menu. I have been working to purposely make at least 2-3 meatless meals a week. Its a great way to lighten things up and ensure you are getting in some really healthy meals.
- For the falafel:
- 2 cans organic chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- a handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- zest of 1 lemon
- approx. ¼- 1/2 cup flour
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- about 2 Tbsp grated cucumber
- 2 tsp fresh chopped dill
- zest of 1 lemon
- salt & pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
- pita bread
- romaine lettuce, shredded
- tomato, diced
- For the falafel, add the chickpeas, garlic cloves, cumin, salt , parsley and lemon zest to a food processor. Pulse until well combined and until a fine crumble texture is reached.
- Add the mixture to a bowl and stir in a ¼ cup of flour.
- In a large non stick sauté pan, over medium high heat, add enough oil to just coat the bottom.
- Form a golf ball sized fritter, and flatten just slightly. Place into the oil and brown on each side.
- {NOTE: If the fritter begins to fall apart rather then holding together then go ahead and add more flour to the mixture. If there is too much moisture they will not hold together. Test one at a time until they are holding and browning.}
- In a small bowl mix together the sour cream, garlic, cucumber, dill, lemon zest and salt & pepper to taste.
- Halve the pita round and open up the pocket. Add the sauce, some lettuce, a couple of the falafel and some tomato. Enjoy!
Carlee
I have never tried falafel, but I am sure I would love this. Tzatziki is so yummy, so you have me sold there! This would be fun to try!
Angela LeMoine
Oh these are so tasty!!! Hearty, healthy & delicious!
dishofdailylife
Looks wonderful to me, Angela! We try to work in a couple meatless meals every week too! I have yet to make falafel but this look so good, I definitely want to try it. And I am a huge tzatziki fan!
Angela LeMoine
Thanks Michelle!! This is a great one for a meatless meal, still good and hearty.