Falafel Wraps

Me and my girlfriend went to Edinburgh for the Christmas markets; there was a wide range of shops, stalls and food outlets. Being a continental market there were foods from across the world. The first day we were there we had a German sausage washed down with Gluhwein then the next day I had a burger. The gf decided she fancied something a little healthier the next day so we went off to explore a little more.

We came across a vegan food stall, people that know me know I'd never give up meat and the thought of giving up cheese scares me!! However the smells coming from this stall were amazing. We looked at the menu and the gf chose a falafel wrap. I didn't even know what a falafel was, it sounded similar to a small furry creature that lives in a far eastern country! I was however corrected on its ingredients.

I was allowed to sample some of the wrap and I was very impressed, I presumed the recipe to make this must be very complicated but after doing a bit of research I found it was more simple than a lot of the dishes I already enjoy making.

This weekend I was browsing my cupboards and what did I come across? A can of chickpeas. I decided now was the time to create my own Falafel. Follow the recipe below and you'll realise how you can create them easily at home. I've bought 3 cans of chickpeas and I plan to make up a large batch.

Ingredients for falAfEl

The list below is what's needed to make this, if you are missing anything click on the images to go to the retailers site to purchase.

Olive oil

Natural Yoghurt (for non vegan version)

Half cucumber

Fresh Coriander

Soya Yoghurt (for Vegan Version)

Eggs

Garlic

Onions

Chickpeas

Coriander

tomato

cumin

Tortilla wraps

Equipment needed

The Equipment below is what's needed to make this recipe, If you are missing anything or need to replace an old/broken piece of equipment then click on the images to see a selection of great equipment for sale.

A Good sharp Kitchen Knife

A Deep Frying pan

A Spatula

A Garlic Press

A Sieve

Chopping Boards

Recipe

1. 1 Tin of Chickpeas (400g)
   
2. 1 Teaspoon of dried Coriander
   
3. 1 Teaspoon of dried Cumin
   
4. A handful of fresh Coriander
   
5. 1 Onion (red or whites fine)
   
6. 1 Clove of Garlic or 1 teaspoon of Garlic paste.
   
7. 1 Egg (If you want to make this as Vegan don't add this just be careful they don't break apart in the pan.
   
8. Natural yogurt to serve (use a soya yoghurt if you are wanting Vegan )
   
9. 2 Tablespoons of olive oil.
   
10. 2 Tomatoes
    
11. 1/2 a Cucumber
12. 3-4 Tortillla wraps (depending on how many patties per wrap you are doing)
    

How to make.......

• Open the tin of Chickpeas and empty into the sieve over the sink, wash the Chickpeas in cold water to remove the liquid they are stored in.
  

• Finely dice the onion and garlic and fry on a low heat until browned.
  

• In a large bowl add the dry coriander and cumin , add the chickpeas then fried onion.
  

• Mush together with a fork or potato masher until you have a consistency similar to crunchy peanut butter
  

• Finely dice the fresh coriander and add to the mix , mix together with your hands until all mixed through.
  
• Next up take golf ball sized portions of the paste and roll these in your hands to make a ball , place these on a chopping board, I got 7 balls out of this mixture.
  

• In a frying pan add the remaining oil, place the paste ball into the pan pressing down gently to form a pattie.
  

• Fry on a medium heat for around 3 minutes on each side or until browned .
  

• Whilst these are cooking slice up your Cucumber and Tomatoes for the filling.
  

• When cooked heat your wraps in the microwave as per their instructions, place a wrap on a plate , add the cooked Pattie (I did 2 per wrap) then the Cucumber, Tomato and finally Yoghurt. Feel free to add more fillings, Carrot, Peppers or Sweetcorn work well.
  
• fold over the wrap and serve, this is a great alternative to sandwiches