Falafel-stuffed pita pockets with cucumber and tomato salad

Falafel-stuffed pita pockets with cucumber and tomato salad is a delicious and healthy Middle Eastern dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. This dish is a vegetarian delight that is packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of crispy falafel, fresh cucumber, and juicy tomatoes is simply irresistible.
To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

For the falafel:

- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying

For the cucumber and tomato salad:

- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the pita pockets:

- 4 pita breads, cut in half
- Lettuce leaves
- Tahini sauce (optional)
To start, soak the chickpeas in water overnight. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and place them in a food processor along with the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed. Form the mixture into small balls and flatten slightly.
Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the falafel until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
To make the cucumber and tomato salad, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss to combine.
To assemble the pita pockets, place a lettuce leaf in each pita half. Stuff with falafel and top with cucumber and tomato salad. Drizzle with tahini sauce if desired.
This dish is a perfect combination of crispy, savory falafel and fresh, tangy salad. The pita pockets are soft and chewy, making them the perfect vessel for the falafel and salad. The dish is also very filling and satisfying, making it a great option for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Type of dish: Vegetarian Appetizer
Main ingredients: Chickpeas, Cucumber, Tomato