Falafel with Cilantro Yogurt in Pita Bread Recipe

Falafel with Cilantro Yogurt in Pita Bread Recipe

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 5 large garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 15-ounce cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
  • 3 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 large egg
  • Olive oil
  • 4 warm pita breads, top third cut off
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Crisp lettuce leaves
  1. Whisk yogurt, 1/2 cup cilantro, 1/4 cup onion, 1 garlic clove, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne in medium bowl to blend; season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Blend garbanzo beans, 3 tablespoons flour, cumin, remaining 1/2 cup cilantro, 4 garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne in processor until almost smooth. Add egg and remaining 3/4 cup onion and blend, using on/off turns, until onion is finely chopped. Transfer mixture to bowl; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Shape mixture into four 1/2-inch-thick patties. Turn patties in remaining 1/2 cup flour to coat on both sides.
  3. Pour enough oil into heavy large skillet to coat bottom; heat over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook until crisp and golden, about 8 minutes per side. Open pita breads; slide 1 patty, sliced tomato and lettuce into each. Spoon in some yogurt mixture.