Waffled Falafel

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder 
• 15 ounce chickpeas rinsed canned
• 0.3 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
• 2 large egg whites 
• 2 tablespoons flour all-purpose
• 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves fresh chopped
• 2 tablespoons parsley fresh chopped
• 2 cloves garlic halved
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander 
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 
• 4 servings hot sauce for serving
• 0.3 cup water with water store-bought
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 4 servings lettuce sliced chopped for topping
• 4  pita breads halved
• 0.3 cup vegetable oil plus more for brushing waffle iron

Equipment

• food processor
• oven
• aluminum foil
• waffle iron

Directions

1. Special equipment: Waffle iron (preferably for thin waffles)
2. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (to keep cooked waffles warm).
3. Combine the oil, cilantro, flour, parsley, baking powder, cumin, salt, coriander, cayenne, egg whites, garlic and chickpeas in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
4. Lightly brush the top and bottom of the waffle iron with oil. Fill the waffle iron about three-quarters of the way full (some waffle iron should still be showing). Close the lid gently and cook until the falafel is golden brown and firm in the center, 6 to 10 minutes. Keep the cooked falafels warm in the oven or covered with foil on a plate while you make the remaining falafels.
5. To build the sandwiches, stuff each pita half with a falafel.
6. Add your choice of toppings, drizzle with the hummus and sprinkle with a few dashes of hot sauce.