Falafels recipe

Falafels recipe

The fresh flavours of falafels have become so popular that vegetarian chef extraordinaire Simon Rimmer simply can't resist them.

Ingredients

2 tsp each cumin and coriander seeds

2 x 400g cans chickpeas, rinsed, drained and patted dry

1½ tsp baking powder

2 tbsp plain flour

1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed

3 tbsp chopped fresh flatleaf parsley

Grated zest of 1 small lemon

Vegetable oil, for shallow frying

Pitta bread, griddled, to serve

Lime wedges, to serve

For the herb yogurt

100ml Greek yogurt

1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

1 tbsp chopped fresh mint, plus fresh mint sprigs, to serve

Juice of 1 lime

Method

1. Dry-fry the cumin and coriander seeds in a frying pan until fragrant. Grind using a pestle and mortar, then add them to a food processor with the chickpeas, some seasoning, the baking powder, flour, chilli, garlic, parsley and lemon zest, then pulse to combine. Mould the mixture into about 24 walnut-size balls.

2. Heat some oil in a griddle or frying pan and fry the falafels, in batches, for about 3 minutes, until golden. Drain on kitchen paper.

3. Blend the yogurt with the herbs and lime juice, and serve with the warm falafels, griddled pittas and lime wedges. Garnish with mint sprigs.

Nutritional info

Per serving (based on 6): 458kcals, 17.4g fat (2.9g saturated), 16.8g protein, 64g carbs, 3.6g sugar, 1.8g salt

Wine Recommendation

Chill a fresh, simple white here. A crisp, lemony Italian, such as Soave or Pinot Grigio, is just right.