A couple of weeks ago little one and I went to cheer on daddy and a friend as they completed the Colour Run obstacle race in Windsor. Ok. We really went for the picnic afterwards and to have a giggle at their expense when they finished the race covered head to toe in paint. Little one still smiled at daddy even though his beard was blue and orange and his hair was bright yellow! I had packed a yummy (if I do say so myself!) picnic for little one which for the most part she enjoyed. She also enjoyed stealing food from everyone else, thus discovering a love of falafel. It’s been a hectic few weeks with her first birthday and going to see Take That in concert (mummy that is, not little one), so I have only just gotten around to giving some homemade falafel a go. With regards to the spices and herbs used, it is really flexible and can be tailored to suit your personal taste. So feel free to go off recipe and have a rummage through your spice rack. These are delicious served in a wrap or pitta with a fresh salad. Little one loves them as a snack or with couscous.
Ingredients
400 g can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 small red onion, roughly chopped
1 tsp garam masala powder
1 tsp dried parsley or a handful of fresh parsley
1/2 tsp mild chilli powder (up the quantities of you want a kick!)
1 tsp ground coriander (I leave out if I’m eating as I have a strong dislike to it!)
A pinch of salt (I leave out if little one is eating)
2 tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Method
1. With a kitchen towel, pat the chickpeas dry. Along with the onion, garlic, spices, herbs and flour, put the chickpeas into the food processor.
2. Blend the ingredients until you get a fairly smooth mix. Drizzle in a little oil if it is slow coming together. I used olive oil.
3. Shape the mix into 4 burger size patties or 16 bite size mini patties.
4. Place on a plate in the fridge to chill and firm up for 30 minutes. This helps them to keep their form.
Cooking options. You have two. Oven baked or pan frying.
Option one- oven baked.
5. Pre heat the oven to Gas Mark 6, 200 C.
6. Place the patties on a non-stick baking tray and drizzle/brush with oil. Pop into the centre of the oven and cook for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly golden. Check occasionally, turning if necessary.
Option two- pan frying
5. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the patties for 3 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
Important bits
Dairy, egg, nut and soya free
Freezable
Makes 4 large patties or 16 mini patties
Total make time less than a hour and a half (including chilling time)
Published by