Falafel, Hummus and Tzatziki recipes

Thanks to my Guest Chef Blogger, Jayedee over at

Life in the Lost World, for these really tasty recipes! 

She cooks vegan so please go check out her blog!  

What's on her menu tonight?

Falafel

Hummus

Tzatziki sauce
Flatbread 

Falafel 

  12 oz dried chick peas (Not canned, please.

                                    If you use canned
                                    chickpeas, your falafel

                                     WILL fall apart!)
    3 tablespoons bulgar
    3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated

    1 teaspoon cumin
    1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped finely
    2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
    1 1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Directions:
1. Soak chick peas in water for 8 hours.

    Drain.
2. Soak bulgar in water for 2 hours.

   Drain and grind with 
   chickpeas in your food processor.
3. Mix all ingredients together.
4. Form balls about 3/4 inch diameter.
5. Deep fry until golden brown in 350 degree oil.
6. Serve with vegan pita bread, hummus,

 tzatziki sauce, tomato and cucumber salad.
*************************************
Creamy Hummus
3 Tbsp lemon juice

(fresh squeezed, THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE!)
6 Tbsp tahini (stirred well)
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 14 oz. can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
4 cloves of garlic, finely minced or grated
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Directions:

1) For really smooth hummus, rub the chickpeas

between your fingers until the skins slip off. 

Discard skins.  If you don't care if
your hummus is really smooth, skip this step.

2) In a food processor add the chickpeas, garlic, salt. 
chop until all the ingredients are well blended and

the chickpeas are almost ground.

3) Scrape the side of the food processor.

With the food processor running, 

add lemon juice and allow to blend for 
about 1 minute.

4) Scrape down the side of the food processor again.

Then with the food processor running, add the 

tahini and olive oil. You may add 
additional olive oil, in a slow and steady stream,

until a smooth and creamy consistancy is reached.

5) Put the hummus in a covered container

and refrigerate for at least 
4 hours, preferably overnight.

Serve with flatbread for dipping.
****************************

Tzatziki sauce

1 medium cucumber, peeled seeded/grated
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1 pint of vegan sour 'cream'
2 cloves of garlic, grated 
1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
Directions:

1) Grate the cucumber into a strainer, 

sprinkle with salt and set aside to drain

for an hour.

2) After an hour, squeeze as much 
additional liquid as you can from the

cucumber and mix with sour 'cream',

garlic and dill. 

3) Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Chill at least a couple of hours. 

4)Drizzle over
falafel on flatbread or pita.
 

I have to tell you, that we're addicted to this sauce

at my house.  I think it's especially good on veggie burgers!

We use as a dip with carrot and celery sticks.  enjoy!

 Thanks Jayedee for being Guest Chef!