Healthy Eating

information

Popular Middle Eastern fast food falafel is a delicious blend of garlic, spices and chick peas. This Food Optimising version is just as tasty and great for loading up lunchboxes on Green days!

Serves: 6
Syns per serving:
Free on Green, 6 Syns on Original

ingredients

227g/8oz dried chick peas
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 level tsp ground cumin
1 level tsp ground coriander
1 small red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
2 tbsp chopped parsley
½ tsp baking powder
salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fry Light, for spraying

method

1. Put the chick peas in a bowl, cover them with plenty of cold water and leave to soak for at least 48 hours. Drain the chick peas and then rinse well under cold running water in a colander.

2. Put the drained chick peas in a food processor with the onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, chilli and herbs. Process to a thick, smooth puree. Add the baking powder and seasoning and stir well. Transfer to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

3. Take small pieces of the pureed chick pea mixture and form into little balls between your hands, then flatten them out slightly. Arrange the falafel balls on a baking tray that has been sprayed with Fry Light.

4. Cook the falafel in a preheated hot oven at 220ºC/Gas Mark 7 for about 12-15 minutes, until crisp and golden. Serve immediately. A bowl of very low fat natural yogurt flavoured with fresh mint and chopped chilli makes a good dip for the falafel.

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