Easy Falafels

Falafels are traditionally served in pita bread with chopped lettuce, tomato, and onion, and with tahini, a sesame sauce that can easily be found in your supermarket. But, this Middle Eastern treat is also super as a before-dinner appetizer or as a side dish.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 20 pieces

Ingredients

• 1 (15 -19 ounce) can chickpeas, drained
• 1  cup  dry breadcrumbs
• 2  eggs
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh parsley
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  teaspoon lemon juice
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄2 cup  vegetable oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a food processor, combine all of the ingredients, except the oil. Mix on medium-high speed until well blended.
2. Shape the mixture into 1-1/2-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Flatten the balls to about 1/2-inch thickness with the bottom of a heavy drinking glass. Brush the falafels with the oil and bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown on both sides, turning halfway through the baking.