Ingredients

4 whole wheat pita bread , halved
1 cup dried garbanzo beans ( garbanzo beans )
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 whole wheat pita bread , torn into large pieces
2 garlic cloves , chopped
3 large egg whites
cooking spray
2 cups chopped seeded plum tomatoes
1 cup chopped seeded English cucumber
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 serrano chili , minced
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1/4 cup soft fresh goat cheese ( log-style )
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 small garlic clove , minced
If you're looking for a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic pita sandwich, try these Goat Cheese Falafel Pitas. Combining homemade falafels made with garbanzo beans, fresh herbs, and warm pita bread, these protein-packed sandwiches are topped with a tomato, cucumber, and chili salad for a zesty crunch, and creamy goat cheese sauce for a tangy finish. Serve them warm for a delicious vegetarian lunch or dinner option.

Instructions

1.Soak garbanzo beans overnight in water. Drain and rinse beans.
2.Place beans, green onions, parsley, baking powder, coriander, cumin, salt, baking soda, black pepper, red pepper, and torn pita bread in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture turns into a coarse paste.
3.Add garlic and egg whites into the mixture, and pulse again until well-combined.
4.Preheat oven to 350°F.
5.Shape the mixture into small patties or balls.
6.Coat a baking tray with cooking spray and place the patties/balls on it.
7.Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
8.While the falafels bake, mix together the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, parsley, lemon juice, and minced chili in a bowl.
9.In another bowl, whisk the yogurt, goat cheese, minced garlic, and salt until creamy.
10.Warm the pita bread in the oven or by toasting.
11.Serve falafels on a warm pita, topped with the tomato mixture and creamy goat cheese sauce.
12.

PROS

Goat Cheese Falafel Pitas are a delicious Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian meal, packed with protein and nutrients from garbanzo beans, fresh herbs, and vegetables.

The homemade falafels are a healthy alternative to deep-fried store-bought falafels.
They are baked, not fried.

This recipe makes enough for leftovers.
Store leftover falafels and toppings separately in the fridge for a quick and easy lunch or dinner the next day.

CONS

The preparation of the falafels can be time-consuming.
It requires soaking the beans overnight and processing the mixture until it forms a paste.

The texture of the homemade falafels is slightly denser than store-bought falafels.
However, this denser texture makes them healthier and more filling.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Goat Cheese Falafel Pitas provide an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Garbanzo beans contain complex carbohydrates, which help improve digestion and reduce blood sugar levels. They are also good for heart health, thanks to their high fiber content.
The fresh vegetables in the tomato-cucumber topping add a serving of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and low-calorie option for a balanced meal.

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