Enjoy a delicious and healthy Greek Falafel Pita Pocket packed with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Author:Ben Androshov
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Pan-Fried
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 whole wheat pita breads
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but still has some texture.
Add the flour to the food processor and pulse a few more times until just combined.
Shape the chickpea mixture into 8 small patties.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Carefully add the falafel patties to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
Warm the pita breads according to package directions.
To assemble the pita pockets, open each pita bread.
Fill each pita with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
Top with 2 falafel patties and a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
Serve immediately.
Notes
For homemade tzatziki sauce, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry), 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
You can bake the falafel patties at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, if you prefer not to fry them.
Feel free to add other vegetables like red onion or bell peppers.