Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Falafel.

I'm cheap.

Remember?

That cheapness is how our semi-vegetarian lifestyle started.

Meat is expensive.
Beans are cheap.

We eat a lot of beans.
Henry loves "beeeees".

At one point, I was soaking and cooking my own beans.
Even cheaper.

I'm sure there is a trick but I always ended up with a big pot of mushy beans.
So, I stick to canned beans.
Still cheaper than meat.
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Falafel -- the following is my adapted recipe

1 can of garbonzo beans, drained and rinsed
chopped onion
minced garlic
1 egg
salt, pepper, cumin, turmeric, paprika, etc.
any fresh herbs in the house
good shake of wheat germ, rather than breadcrumbs
smidgeon of baking powder

Mash the beans with a fork.
Mix all ingredients.
Shape mixture into foozball size balls.
Bake on 350 until golden brown.

Serve with dipping sauces.
I like tahini drizzled on mine.
Taylor likes caesar salad dressing.
If we weren't dairy free, I would make a tomato gravy to drench the falafel.

We've only had this recipe a few times but it was a hit so it is definitely a permanent member of menu rotation. Next time, I plan on doubling the recipe and freezing the leftovers.

Even Henry will try falafel.
That says a lot.

2 comments:

Rebecca said...

yum! just tried a variation on falafel with pinto beans. then stuffed in pita pockets with a avocado sauce on top. I will pass the recipe on if you want? super cheap meal as well:)

Holly Claire Bigness said...

Yum, that sounds goos! I will have to try that recipe.
yay for Semi-meatlessness :)