Ingredients:

For the Falafel Patties:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 1 1/2 cups canned chickpeas, drained)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2-1 teaspoon baking powder
• 4-6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Tahini Sauce:

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste

For Assembling the Sandwich:

• Pita bread or flatbread
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Sliced red onions
• Lettuce leaves
• Pickles (optional)
• Hot sauce or chili sauce (optional)

Instructions:

For the Falafel Patties:

1. Prepare the Chickpeas:

   • If using dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight. Drain the soaked chickpeas before using.
   • If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them.

2. Blend the Ingredients:

   • In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor as you go.

3. Adjust Consistency:

   • Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Mix well. If the mixture is too wet, you can add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it holds together and is easy to shape into patties.

4. Shape the Falafel:

   • Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties or balls, about 2 inches in diameter.

5. Fry the Falafel:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the falafel patties and fry until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.

For the Tahini Sauce:

1. Mix Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt until you have a smooth sauce. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.

For Assembling the Sandwich:

1. Warm the Bread:

   • Heat the pita bread or flatbread in the oven or on a stovetop until warm and pliable.

2. Assemble the Sandwich:

   • Open each pita bread to form a pocket. Spread a spoonful of tahini sauce inside the pocket.
   • Add falafel patties, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, lettuce leaves, and pickles if desired.
   • Drizzle with additional tahini sauce and hot sauce or chili sauce, if you like.

3. Serve:

   • Serve the Falafel Sandwich immediately while it's warm and enjoy!

Falafel Sandwiches are a delightful combination of crispy, spiced falafel, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce, all tucked inside warm pita bread. It's a popular Middle Eastern street food that's both satisfying and delicious.