Best Falafel Recipe Ever
Mmmmm….falafel. I love trying different kinds of foods and try to sample different ethnic restaurants whenever I can. So when a new Greek/Mediterranean restaurant opened up close to my home I had to stop by. My favorite item on the menu is by far their falafel sandwich. It’s not only a great example of how falafel should taste, but it is topped with a delicious cilantro yogurt sauce, lettuce and tomato to make it a mighty fine treat.
Before you prepare, be warned that this food is up there on the no-nos of first date foods as it has many ingredients that, although delicious, will render your breath more suitable for keeping vampires away than kissing. 
Here is my favorite Falafel with Cilantro Yogurt recipe:
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup chopped onion
5 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 15-oz cans garbanzo (aka chickpeas) beans, drained
3 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 large egg
olive oil
4 warm pita breads with top third cut off
sliced tomatoes & green lettuce (if desired)
Cilantro Yogurt Preparation
Whisk yogurt, 1/2 cup cilantro, 1/4 cup onion, 1 garlic clove, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne in medium bowl to blend. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Falafel
Blend garbanzo beans, 3 tablespoons flour, cumin, remaining 1/2 cup cilantro, 4 cloves garlic and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne in food processor until almost smooth. Add egg and remaining 3/4 cup onion and blend until onion is finely chopped. Transfer mixture to bowl and shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties. Turn patties in remaining 1/2 cup flour to coat on both sides.
Pour enough oil into large skillet to coat bottom of pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook until crisp and golden, approx. 8 min. each side. Open pita breads; add one falafel patty, sliced tomato and lettuce. Spoon cilantro yogurt mixture inside pita. Enjoy!
Tip: There’s a new restaurant that’s popping up a lot of places called Maoz. It’s vegetarian and specializes in falafel sandwiches. I’ve eaten here a number of times and have enjoyed it very much. It’s kind of a healthy alternative to fast food – Yum! 
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