Smokin Chipotle Falafel Gyros

Submitted by PaulaG

"East meets west in this spicy version of falafel. These delicious patties are baked making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. These are very versatile and make a delicious lunch. Developed for RSC #13."

 

• Ready In: 36mins
• Ingredients: 21
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and well drained
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 4 cardamom pods
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 -2 chipotle chile in adobo, minced (For less heat remove the seeds.)
• 2 green onions, sliced (White and about half of the green part.)
• 1⁄4 cup cilantro leaf
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• coarse salt, to taste
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 -2 teaspoon olive oil
• 4 pita breads, 5-inch diameter
• 1 - 1 1⁄2 cup broccoli, slaw

• Chipotle Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 -2 teaspoon adobo sauce (from canned Chipotle peppers)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1⁄4 cup seedless cucumber, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried dill weed
• salt and pepper, to taste

directions

1. Before starting make sure that the chickpeas are well drained and dry. A salad spinner is a great way to eliminate excess water from the chickpeas before placing them on sheets of paper towels to dry or if you don't have a salad spinner, go ahead and place on several sheets of paper towels to dry.
2. With the blade of a chef's knife, break open the cardamom pods and remove seeds. Place the cardamom seeds along with the cumin seeds in a small heavy skillet and toast just until fragrant. Put in a coffee grinder and grind or crush with a mortar and pestle.
3. Add the chickpeas, garlic and chilies to a food processor and pulse several times until mixture is blended and smooth. To the processor add the onions, cilantro leaves, lemon juice, ground spices, baking powder, salt and pepper; pulse to combine. Shape the mixture into 8 small patties and flatten to 1 1/2 to 2 inch diameter.
4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, lightly oil a small baking sheet with olive oil, place prepared patties on baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes per side.
5. In a small dish, combine the ingredients for the yogurt sauce; set aside.
6. Warm the pitas in the oven or over an open flame; to assemble, place 2 patties on each of the warmed pitas, spoon yogurt sauce over all and top with broccoli slaw; fold and enjoy!

Reviews

[Sharon123]

This was pretty easy to put together with a nice spicey flavor. I quartered the recipe and had enough for 2 pita halves. I did have a little problem with the patties holding together but just scooped them up and put them in the pita. Thanks!

 

[GoVegan]

With a few tweaks this will be a five star recipe. I was really looking forward to the chipotle flavor and felt the yogurt sauce wasn't bold enough, and could use more adobo sauce. The biggest problem for me was that the falafel patties would not stick together. I have had a curse with all homemade veggie burgers falling apart on me though, so hopefully other reviewers will experience success. Great use of contest ingredients.