Vegetarian starter
​Falafel with wholesome dips
Serves 4
Falafel, a traditional Middle Eastern dish, is not only a tasty treat but also a nutritious option that can be especially beneficial for menopausal women. By opting for falafel made with wholesome ingredients, and paired with unique dips, one can create a meal that boosts overall well-being. This recipe features delectable falafel balls accompanied by a trio of dips, including a yogurt, lemon, and coriander dip that offers both flavour and health benefits.
Ingredients
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For the falafels
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400g chickpeas (soaked overnight)
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley or coriander (for garnish)
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Oil for frying
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For the Dips:
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Yogurt, lemon, and coriander dip: 200g of Greek yogurt, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander, 1 teaspoon sumac, salt to taste
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Tahini dip: 100g tahini paste, juice of 1 lemon, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), water to thin, salt to taste
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Spicy avocado dip: 1 ripe avocado, juice of 1 lime, 1 small chili (diced), salt and pepper to taste
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For the Salad:
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1 cup mixed lettuce leaves
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1 avocado, diced
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1 cucumber, sliced
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Zest of 1 orange or lemon
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Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Method
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Follow these straightforward steps to create your delicious falafel and dips:
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Drain the soaked chickpeas and place them in a food processor. Add onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until a coarse mixture forms, but avoid over-processing.
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Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a tray for a few minutes to set.
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Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the falafel balls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels.
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For the dips, combine the ingredients for the yogurt dip in a bowl and mix until well combined. Repeat for the tahini dip and the avocado dip, adjusting seasoning to taste.
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Prepare the salad by tossing lettuce, avocado, cucumber, and citrus zest together. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
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Serve the crispy falafel with the dips and salad for a refreshing and nourishing meal. This dish is ideal for menopausal women, providing dopamine-boosting nutrients while satisfying the taste buds.
