Falafel Pitas

Vegetarian
Very Healthy
Health score
63%
Falafel Pitas
45 min.
4
801kcal

Suggestions

There is nothing quite like the vibrant, earthy aroma of freshly made falafel to transform a simple lunch into a culinary celebration. While traditional falafel is often deep-fried in heavy oils, this delightful recipe reimagines the classic Middle Eastern staple as a healthier, golden-brown pan-fried option that retains its irresistible texture without the guilt. By using no-salt-added chickpeas and blending them with aromatic herbs like fresh dill, parsley, and minced garlic, you create patties that are packed with flavor and protein, making this dish a perfect choice for vegetarian enthusiasts seeking a nutritious meal.

What truly sets this version apart is the inclusion of a creamy, tangy yogurt-based sauce infused with cucumber and dill, offering a cooling contrast to the warm, spiced falafel. The combination of ground coriander and cumin adds a sophisticated depth, while the whole wheat pitas provide a hearty, fiber-rich base that complements the filling perfectly. You can easily customize the experience by adjusting the amount of olive oil or swapping out the lettuce for your favorite greens, ensuring every bite feels fresh and satisfying.

Despite its health-conscious approach, scoring an impressive 63 on the health scale, this dish does not compromise on taste or satisfaction. With a balanced mix of plant-based proteins and wholesome carbohydrates, it serves as an ideal weeknight dinner or a special weekend brunch for four people. The preparation is surprisingly straightforward, requiring just a food processor and a skillet to bring all these vibrant ingredients together. Whether you are looking to boost your vegetable intake or simply craving something flavorful and filling, these falafel pitas offer a delicious solution that delights both the eyes and the palate.

Ingredients

  • 0.7 cup cucumber peeled chopped
  • 0.7 cup cucumber peeled thinly sliced
  • 0.3 cup breadcrumbs dry
  • teaspoon optional: dill fresh chopped
  • 0.3 cup parsley fresh finely chopped
  •  garlic clove minced
  • teaspoon garlic salt 
  • teaspoon ground coriander 
  • teaspoon ground cumin 
  • cup greek yogurt 2% reduced-fat
  • 15 ounce no-salt-added chickpeas canned (garbanzo beans)
  • tablespoons olive oil 
  • cup plum tomatoes chopped
  • 0.3 cup onion red thinly sliced
  • tablespoons onion red finely chopped
  • cups romaine lettuce shredded
  • 6-inch pitas whole wheat cut in half ()

Equipment

  • food processor
  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • colander

Directions

  1. To prepare sauce, combine the first 4 ingredients; set aside.
  2. To prepare falafel, drain chickpeas in a colander over a bowl; reserve liquid.
  3. Place chickpeas, 3 tablespoons liquid (discard remaining liquid), breadcrumbs, and next 5 ingredients (through cumin) in a food processor; process until minced. Divide chickpea mixture into 8 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty.
  4. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add patties to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
  6. Spread about 1/4 cup sauce into each pita half. Fill each pita half with 1/2 cup lettuce, 1/4 cup tomato, about 2 tablespoons sliced cucumber, 1 tablespoon sliced onion, and 2 patties.

Nutrition Facts

Calories801kcal
Protein14.94%
Fat67.32%
Carbs17.74%

Properties

Glycemic Index
51
Glycemic Load
1.18
Inflammation Score
-10
Nutrition Score
33.859130470649%

Flavonoids

Naringenin
0.4mg
Apigenin
8.09mg
Luteolin
0.06mg
Isorhamnetin
0.89mg
Kaempferol
0.23mg
Myricetin
0.65mg
Quercetin
4.45mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:801.34kcal
40.07%
Fat:63.65g
97.92%
Saturated Fat:12.73g
79.58%
Carbohydrates:37.76g
12.59%
Net Carbohydrates:29.89g
10.87%
Sugar:17.1g
18.99%
Cholesterol:3.28mg
1.09%
Sodium:683.94mg
29.74%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:31.78g
63.55%
Vitamin K:98.55µg
93.85%
Manganese:1.83mg
91.73%
Vitamin B3:14.94mg
74.69%
Vitamin E:11.1mg
74.02%
Vitamin A:2928.83IU
58.58%
Magnesium:204.29mg
51.07%
Phosphorus:411.69mg
41.17%
Folate:156.06µg
39.02%
Fiber:7.86g
31.45%
Vitamin B6:0.6mg
30.08%
Copper:0.57mg
28.46%
Potassium:930.79mg
26.59%
Zinc:3.13mg
20.88%
Vitamin C:17.14mg
20.78%
Vitamin B1:0.3mg
19.74%
Iron:3.42mg
18.99%
Calcium:169.74mg
16.97%
Vitamin B2:0.28mg
16.6%
Vitamin B5:1.4mg
14.02%
Selenium:6.77µg
9.68%
Source:My Recipes