Chickpea and Lentil Falafel with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Chickpea and Lentil Falafel with Spicy Tomato Sauce is a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is made with a combination of chickpeas, lentils, and spices, which are then formed into small balls and fried until crispy. The falafel is then served with a spicy tomato sauce that adds a burst of flavor to the dish.
To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Falafel:

- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying

For the Spicy Tomato Sauce:

- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
To make the falafel, combine the chickpeas, lentils, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky. Add the flour and pulse again until the mixture comes together.
Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the falafel balls in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
To make the spicy tomato sauce, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve the falafel with the spicy tomato sauce on the side. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a main course. The falafel is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a delicious blend of spices. The spicy tomato sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the falafel perfectly.
Type of dish: Vegetarian Appetizer
Main ingredients: Chickpeas, Lentils, Tomatoes