Falafel with a Sesame Dip and Beetroot & Carrot Salad

This meal is absolutely delicious! It is full of flavour, very nutritious and lovely to look at. It is definitely a perfect meal for gatherings. The combination of the falafel with the Beetroot and Carrot salad is exquisite.

The Falafel's main ingredient is chickpeas which is an excellent source of protein, fiber, iron, calcium and magnesium. It is also known for reducing cholesterol and inflammation levels.

Beetroot and Carrots are both good sources of antioxidants. They prevent heart diseases, lower blood pressure, boosts immunity, controls diabetes, improves eyesight, lowers inflammations, help in digestion and prevents cancer. 

I grew up loving falafel, however in most places they are deeply fried. After making those healthy falafels I don't think I can have the deep fried ones again! They are perfect for me, I hope you enjoy them as much I do :)

This post will have four recipe: Falafel recipe, Sesame Dip recipe, Beetroot & Carrot Salad recipe and Sesame Orange Dressing recipe. You can make the Beetroot Salad by itself if you wish or pair it with something else, your choice!


Falafel Recipe (3-5 people)
Ingredients
1.5 cups of chickpeas (soaked overnight)
1 cup parsley
1/4 cup coriander
2 tsp chopped mint
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt 
1 tsp baking powder 
3 TBSP of blended/grounded rice cakes (I use Kallo organic unsalted whole grain rice cakes from Alfair )
Method
- Blend all in a food processor until its sticky enough to form balls.
- Measure a tablespoon in a scoop and align the falafel patties on a parchment paper on a baking tray.
- Bake at 200c for 20 minutes or pan fry without oil or a bit of coconut oil depending on the skillet you have for a few minutes on each side. Both methods work perfectly!


Sesame Dip Recipe
Ingredients
1/4 cup roasted sesames (roast them for a few minutes in a pan)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 lime  
1/4 tsp garlic powder
pinch of salt & pepper
- Blend and drizzle on the Falafels!


Beetroot & Carrot Salad Recipe
Ingredients 
1 Carrot (spiralized)
1 small Beetroot (spiralized or cut into strings)
Lettuce
a few Pumpkin seeds
a few Sunflower seeds
a few Raisins
a few Goji Berries (optional)


Sesame Orange Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
2 TBSP freshly squeezed orange juice
1.5 TBSP Sesame Dip
a pinch of cumin
-Pour over the Salad and mix well.

Enjoy :)

P.s If you feel like you have too many falafels, you can store them in the  freezer and bake them another day.