Baked Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce

I love all kinds of food, but there is a special place in my heart for Mediterranean food. I think it has to do with the vacation my family took to Greece almost 10 years ago. It was one of the most magical trips of my life with probably some of the tastiest food I've ever had.

Since this trip, I have loved all kinds of Greek and Mediterranean food including falafel. Falafel is typically deep fried which is what makes it so delicious. I've been wanting to make my own baked version of falafel for a while now, and  I finally decided it was time to do it.

This recipe makes two generous servings of falafel which are crispy on the outside and super tender on the inside. We had ours with the tzatziki sauce, a simple cucumber, tomato and feta salad, and some hummus and pita on the side.

It was a great "Meatless Monday" meal, and my husband and I were both pleasantly full and satisfied afterwards. The tzatziki is definitely optional but I would highly recommend making it. It adds so much flavor to the falafel, plus an extra dose of protein from the Greek yogurt.

Chick peas or garbanzo beans are loaded with fiber which makes them help maintain a healthy digestive track and may even prevent against colon cancer. Chick peas contain antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids which help to protect the heart and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Chick peas are also a great source of iron which can help keep the body energized and maintain a good metabolism. 

Falafel Ingredients:

1 can chickpeas- drained

1/4 cup old fashioned oats

1/4 cup cilantro-chopped

1/4 cup parsley-chopped

1 clove garlic chopped

1/2 lemon-juiced

1 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. sea salt

olive oil

Tzatziki Ingredients:
1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup grated cucumber
1/8 cup chopped dill
1 garlic clove- grated
1/2 lemon-juiced
salt/pepper to taste

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2) Add all falafel ingredients to food processor.
3) Pour a little olive oil onto a baking sheet and spread evenly with your hands.
4) With your greasy hands, roll falafel into balls and place evenly on the baking sheet. (You should make about a dozen falafel balls.)
5) Bake for 15 minutes and flip to other side baking an additional 10 minutes.
6) While the balls are cooking, make the tzatziki by combining the yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Add salt/pepper to taste.
7) When the falafel is finished baking, enjoy it with the tzatziki sauce and whatever else you choose to serve.
*Recipe makes about 2 servings