Fava Bean Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce

Falafel
  • 1 cup dried chickpeas
  • 1/2 cup dried fava beans
  • 1 medium onion - finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley - finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic - pressed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
Tzatziki - Cucumber Yogurt Dip
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic - finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 cup greek yogurt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cucumbers - peeled, seeded and diced
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill

1. Make Tzatziki Sauce ahead.   Combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until well combined. Using a whisk, blend the yogurt with the sour cream. Add the olive oil mixture to the yogurt mixture and mix well. Finally, add the cucumber and chopped fresh dill. Chill for at least two hours before serving. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill just before serving.

2. Soak beans overnight in water.  Drain and rinse.  Preheat oil to 350 degrees with 2 inches of oil in frying pan. 

3. Place beans in food processor.  Add remaining ingredients and process until a paste like consistency.  If too thick add 1 tablespoon of water until desired consistency.

4. Remove falafel mixture from processor and spoon into hot oil.  Fry for 2 minutes or until falafel is desired consistency.
5. Serve with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.