Eggplant & Tahini Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce

Eggplant & Tahini Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce

by Dishing Up the Dirt

Prep Time: 13 minutes  |  Cook Time: 15 minutes  |  Serves: 16-18

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup full-fat yogurt (grass-fed preferred or substitute plant based-yogurt for vegan option)
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons minced dill
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• salt + pepper to taste

Eggplant Falafel 

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium-sized eggplant, peeled and chopped into 1/2 inch cubes (about 2 1/2 cups worth)
• 1/2 Tablespoon ground cumin
• 1/2 Tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (if from the can rinsed and drained)
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 cup chickpea flour (may substitute with all purpose flour if need be)
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil (or another high heat oil) for frying + additional oil as needed

1. Prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining all the ingredients in a bowl and stirring until smooth. Taste test and adjust seasonings as necessary. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to serving.
2. Preheat the oven to 375F. Toss the eggplant with the olive oil and place on a prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven until lightly brown on all sides, about 20-25 minutes. Toss eggplant halfway through cooking. Remove from the oven and let the eggplant slightly cool.
3. In the bowl of a food processor add the cooked eggplant, coriander, cumin, chickpeas, tahini, garlic, parsley, mint and chickpea flour. Process until combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the food processor as necessary. Spoon the mixture into a bowl and cover with a dish towel and place in the freezer for 20 minutes.
4. Heat the grapeseed oil in a large skillet over medium- high heat. Form the batter into 1/2 inch thick patties and fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Add more oil to the pan as necessary.
5. Serve the falafel warm with the tzatziki sauce.

Notes

• Use this recipe as a guide
• Adjust measurements and ingredients as necessary
• Cooking times will vary depending on ingredients and specific ovens
• Have fun in the kitchen

Let us know if you make this recipe! Tag your photos with #freshharvestga on Instagram

Thanks to Dishing Up the Dirt for this amazing recipe. Check out her cookbook here.