It’s Tasty Tuesday time! It was about 70 degrees here in Portland yesterday  (which is relatively warm for us Pacific NW peeps) and there is nothing I like more than a falafel and a glass of Chardonnay on a warm day. So, I decided that is just what we shall have. This recipe is SO easy and healthy, this is not your deep fried falafel, but a lighter, yet seriously yummy version.

Ingredients for Falafel Balls:

1) 1 Can of Garbanzo Beans
2) 1 tbsp Olive Oil
3) 1/4 cup bread crumbs
4) 1 tbsp Cumin
5) Couple shakes of garlic salt
6) Dash of Salt and Pepper
7) Dash of Red Pepper flakes (optional, but we like a little heat)

How to prepare:

Pour garbanzo beans and other ingredients into a mixing bowl. Mush with your hands. If it is too moist add more bread crumbs, if too dry add some more olive oil. This is a recipe that can easily be modified to meet your needs. Once you have smashed most of your chick peas, and the consistency seems right then form into ball shapes. In a sautee pan add olive oil and sautee until brown on all sides.

Now what to serve with Falafel? How about some Cucumber Sauce?

Ingredients for Cucumber Sauce:

1) 16 oz. Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt
2) 2 Cloves of Garlic (OK, we like a lot of garlic, you can do less if you want :)
3) 1 small cucumber
4) Black Pepper

How to prepare:

Chop cucumber and garlic. Add yogurt and other ingredients to bowl and mix. Place in refrigerator until ready to serve. Easy as that!

I hope you enjoyed this week’s Tasty Tuesday, I know I did! This version is healthier than your traditional falafel, but I think it tastes just as good! Do you eat falafel? What are your favorite foods on warm days?