Falafel Burger
Description
The appetizer is quick and easy to prepare. Chickpeas are rich in plant protein and have a wonderful nutty flavor. Falafel is very popular in the Middle East and, along with hummus and shawarma, is a staple street fast food. Make it at home yourself—there’s nothing complicated about it. Serve with fresh herbs and sauce.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Soak the chickpeas in cold water for 10 hours. In summer, it is better to do this in the refrigerator.
- 2
Step 2
Rinse the chickpeas and transfer them to the blender bowl. Pulse until finely chopped together with the onion, garlic, and herbs. Add the freshly ground spices, salt, tahini, and pulse again. Add the flour and baking powder, and mix.
- 3
Step 3
With wet hands, shape round patties.
- 4
Step 4
Fry in preheated oil until golden brown on both sides. Place on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- 5
Step 5
For the sauce, combine all the ingredients. Strict vegetarians can simply mix tahini with lemon juice, olive oil, and mustard. Rinse and dry the lettuce. Thinly slice the onion, hot pepper, tomatoes, and pickled cucumbers. I used lightly salted ones—they worked perfectly. Cut the buns in half and toast them without oil on a grill, cut side down. Assemble the burgers, generously spreading sauce on the buns and adding vegetables to taste.
- 6
Step 6
And serve immediately, without letting the buns get soggy or the falafel cool down.