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Oven Baked Pea and Chickpea Falafel with Vegan Tofu Tzatziki

I love all the comfort food classics but truth be told, sometimes I get a little bored. Not so much as bored of eating them but more like bored of making them - I need things to be kept interesting in the kitchen (and where else ;) Believe me, even just a small change-up in the recipes can get you out of the slump.


This recipe is a fun way to spice up the classic falafels! Or "sweeten up" to be more accurate. The peas add more plant protein to the falafels, as well as sweetness and moisture! And another perk is that your falafels would turn out greener and more vibrant. Also instead of deep-frying, I baked these in the oven, which is healthier and saves you an oily mess.


For serving, I paired them with some homemade vegan tzatziki sauce made of silken tofu. They also go great with some earthy quinoa pilaf.

INGREDIENTS:

1 can chickpeas, rinsed
3/4 cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 small red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 cup chopped parsley
1 cup chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cardamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoon chickpea flour
Olive oil for cooking

For Tofu Tzatziki -
8 oz silken tofu (1/2 box)
2 cloves garlic
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 small cucumber
1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 tablespoon olive oil


TO MAKE:

- Preheat the oven to 400°F;
- Add chickpeas, peas, onions, garlic, parsley, and cilantro to a food processor, pulse till coarsely combined, not too smooth, transfer to a mixing bowl;
- Add cumin, black pepper, cardamom, baking soda, and chickpea flour to the mixture, mix well;
- Form the mixture into falafel balls with your hands and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (Tip: Drizzle a little olive oil on your hands to prevent sticking);
- Bake for 35 minutes, check and flip half way through;
- Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki sauce, add all the ingredients EXCEPT the cucumber to a blender/processor, blend till smooth;
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much water as you can, then add to the sauce, stir to combine;
- Serve the falafels with the dipping sauce, enjoy!

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