Roasted Beet Falafel With Green Tahini Dip

You may be thinking 'if you've seen one falafel you've seen them all' – Prepare to be amazed. These ruby red, falafel get their color and a subtle earthy flavor from the roasted beets and then they are slathered in a green tahini dip that's creamy and bursting with flavor. Plus, you'll get to learn how to make your own tahini paste.

ROASTED BEET FALAFEL WITH GREEN TAHINI DIP [VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE]

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE TAHINI PASTE:

• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or as needed

FOR THE DIP:

• 2 cloves
• 1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
• 1/3 teaspoon ground pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1/2 cup vegan yogurt

FOR THE FALAFEL:

• 2 cups chickpeas, soaked in water overnight
• 1 cup, roasted beet
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup fresh parsley and cilantro (mixed according to preference)
• 4 large cloves garlic
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 5 tablespoon gluten-free bread crumbs or more as needed
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
• 3 tablespoons tahini paste
• Green chilis, chopped

PREPARATION

TO MAKE THE TAHINI PASTE:

1. Toast raw sesame seeds until they are lightly colored and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Place the sesame seeds in a grinder and grind them until they form a crumbly paste.
3. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and process for them 1 minute or, until the mixture forms into thin, fairly smooth paste. Add more oil if needed.
4. Transfer the tahini to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for a month or longer. If the mixture separates, stir the tahini to redistribute the oil.

TO MAKE THE DIP:

1. Pulse garlic, cilantro, mint, pepper, salt, tahini paste, and yogurt in a food processor until the mixture has a texture that is similar to pesto.
2. Gradually drizzle in some water and process it, adding more water to thin it if needed, until dip is light green and the consistency of sour cream.

TO MAKE THE FALAFEL:

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas well.
2. Pour them into your food processor along with garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, roasted beets, salt, cumin, baking soda, and green chili into a food processor and pulse everything until it’s coarse and holds together when pressed.
3. Add the bread crumbs and process the mixture again.
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and with damp hands, shape around 20 lemon-sized balls.
5. Heat oil over medium heat. Then fry about four balls at once for a few minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. Drain them on paper towels.
6. Drizzle the falafel balls with green tahini dip. Garnish them with some cucumber and cilantro leaves. Sprinkle some ground pepper and squeeze some lemon juice.

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/roasted-beet-falafel-with-green-tahini-dip/