Spicy Baked Falafel with Tzatziki

Spicy Baked Falafel with Tzatziki - A Delicious and Healthy Middle Eastern Dish
Looking for a healthy and delicious Middle Eastern dish that's easy to make? Try our Spicy Baked Falafel with Tzatziki recipe! This dish is perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, and it's packed with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients (serves 4):

For the falafel:

- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil

For the tzatziki:

- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking tips:

- To make the falafel, you can use canned chickpeas or cook them from scratch. If using canned chickpeas, make sure to drain and rinse them well before using.
- You can use a food processor to chop the onion, parsley, and cilantro, or chop them by hand.
- If the falafel mixture is too wet, add more flour. If it's too dry, add a little water.
- To make the tzatziki, make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber before mixing it with the yogurt.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the mixture until it's well combined but still slightly chunky.
3. Add the flour and baking powder to the mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Form the mixture into small balls or patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the falafel with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. While the falafel is baking, make the tzatziki by combining the yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
7. Serve the falafel hot with the tzatziki on the side.
Appearance and taste:
This Spicy Baked Falafel with Tzatziki is a beautiful dish with golden brown and crispy falafel balls or patties. The tzatziki adds a refreshing and tangy flavor to the dish, making it a perfect complement to the spicy and savory falafel. The dish is not only appetizing but also healthy, as it's packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
Type of dish: Vegetarian Appetizer
Main ingredients: Chickpeas, Greek yogurt, Cucumber