Heart Shaped Falafel Wraps – Vegan Valentine’s Day Menu {oil-free}

Next up, for the Vegan Valentine’s Day Menu Jasmine and I created, is the main course—Heart shaped falafel wraps with a dill + garlic tahini sauce! This simple and delicious twist on a classic is one anyone will enjoy. Back when I lived in New Jersey, falafel was one of my favorite meals. Specifically from Mamouns, a middle eastern restaurant with several locations on the east coast. Though delicious, Mamouns falafel is fried and greasy. Jasmine and I wanted to make something a little bit healthier, so we worked to create this baked falafel recipe for you and your loved ones to enjoy. It is super easy to make with just a few steps, and will be ready to eat in under an hour! The falafel patties can be eaten on warm fresh pita bread, or on collard wraps topped with your favorite veggies.

HEART SHAPED FALAFEL

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• 15 oz chickpeas, cooked
• 1 cup cilantro
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 2 cup onions
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tbs tahini
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• salt + pepper to taste
• 1 cup garbanzo flour
• Juice from 1 large lemon

MAKING THE FALAFEL:

• Pre-heat oven 400 degrees
• Finely chop the onions and garlic (or pulse in a food processor)
• Sauté chopped onions, garlic, coriander, 1/4 tsp coriander, 1/4 tsp cumin in a covered sauce pan on low for 15 minutes or until the onions are translucent
• Add cooked chickpeas, cilantro, and parsley to food processor and pulse until all of the chickpeas are chopped up
  • Be sure to not to make it too smooth!
• Transfer chickpea mixture into large bowl and add the onion and garlic mixture from earlier
• Mix in 1 cup of garbanzo flour, juice from 1 large lemon, 2 tbs of tahini, and salt + pepper to taste
  • Add more flour if mixture done
• Use heart shaped mold or cookie cutter to shape the falafel 1/2″ thick and place on parchment lined baking sheet
• Place in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes
• Enjoy finished falafel in warm pita or collard green wrap with your favorite toppings and garlic + herb tahini sauce
  • Red onion, tomato, cucumbers, etc

GARLIC + HERB TAHINI SAUCE

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• 1 cup tahini
• 1 avocado
• Small bunch of dill
• Small bunch of Parsley
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Juice from half of lemon
• Salt + Pepper to taste

MAKING THE SAUCE

• Add all ingredients to food processor or blender and mix until smooth