Authentic Falafel and Creamy Hummus Pita Pockets

Ingredients

Lettuce

1 cup, shredded

Cucumber

1 whole, thinly sliced

Tomato

1 whole, thinly sliced

Hummus

1 cup

Pita bread

4 pieces

Vegetable oil

1 cup, for frying

All-purpose flour

1 cup

Baking powder

1 teaspoon

Black pepper

1/2 teaspoon

Salt

1 teaspoon

Ground coriander

1 teaspoon

Ground cumin

1 teaspoon

Fresh parsley

1 cup, chopped

Garlic

2 cloves, minced

Onion

1 whole, finely chopped

Chickpeas

1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed

Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, baking powder, and flour. Pulse the mixture until well combined and it holds together to form a dough-like consistency.
2. Form the mixture into small, even patties, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the falafel patties in the skillet. Fry them for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn a golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
4. While the falafels are frying, warm the pita bread in a toaster or oven until they are soft and pliable.
5. Spread a generous amount of hummus inside each warmed pita pocket.
6. Place 2-3 freshly fried falafel patties inside each pita pocket.
7. Add the sliced tomato, cucumber, and shredded lettuce into each pita pocket, on top of the falafel and hummus.
8. Serve the falafel and hummus pita pockets immediately while they are still warm and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean right at home!