Baked Falafel with Cucumber, Tomato Salad

Nothing can compete with freshly baked falafel, add a crunchy cucumber-tomato salad to it and you have a delicious light meal.

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Ingredients:

For the Baked Falafel:

• 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) (optional)
• 1/4 cup red onion (chopped) (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cucumber, Tomato Salad:

• 1 cucumber (sliced)
• 2 medium tomatoes (diced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, turmeric, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still a bit chunky.
3. Add the breadcrumbs (or oat flour) and baking powder. Pulse again until the mixture holds together when pressed (add a little water if it’s too dry).
4. Form the mixture into small balls or patties (about 1.5 tablespoons of mixture per falafel) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Lightly brush the falafel with olive oil and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
6. Make the cucumber, tomato salad: in a bowl, combine the sliced cucumber and diced tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with pepper to taste. Toss everything together and garnish with fresh parsley.
7. To serve : arrange the baked falafel on a plate, serve alongside the cucumber, and tomato salad.

Enjoy this healthy, light, and delicious meal! It's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

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Parsley is like the little green superhero of your kitchen! Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, it helps boost your immune system, keep your bones strong, and even give your skin a healthy glow. It’s a natural detoxifier too, supporting your kidneys and liver in flushing out toxins. Plus, it's not just a garnish—this vibrant herb can help freshen your breath and add a burst of flavor to any dish. So, sprinkle some parsley on your meals and let it work its magic!