Ah, falafel. One of my favorite fried treats. I wanted to create a healthier patty, so these are baked instead of fried. The panko breadcrumbs are the key- they give them crunch, like they just came out of a fryer.

Falafel with TT Sauce

Ingredients:

1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
¼ onion, quartered
1 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons cilantro leaves, chopped
3 tablespoons parsley leaves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoons olive oil
3-4 tbsp. panko bread crumbs

In a food processor or blender, combine the garbanzo beans, onion, garlic, 2 tbsp. cilantro and 2 tbsp. parsley. Combine until a chunky batter forms.

Remove the bean mixture and in a large mixing bowl, add the rest of the herbs, cumin, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well with a fork until combined. Add the panko bread crumbs and lightly toss together, being careful to keep the bread crumbs crisp. Form into small 3-inch patties. Place on a baking sheet, lightly coated with oil. In a 375 degree oven, bake for 10-15 minutes per side until lightly brown and crisp.
Serve with pita bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, and TT sauce.

TT Sauce (Tzatziki meets Tahini Sauce)

1 package silken tofu
1-3 cloves garlic, depending on your taste
2 tbsp. tahini
¼ cup lemon juice (about 1 medium/large lemon)
2 tsp. dill
1/8 tsp. smoked paprika
salt/pepper
¼ tsp. cayenne
3 tbsp. parsley, chopped fine
¾ cup finely chopped cucumber, peeled or not

In a blender combine tofu, lemon juice, tahini, garlic cloves, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and dill. Pour the blender mixture into a bowl and add cucumber and parsley.