Falafel Pitas

Dinner last night consisted of falafel pitas.  We always try to incorporate a variety of food options into our dining experience, and since we hadn't had falafel in some time we decided to pick up a mix at the store.  I was first introduced to falafel during my college years when I would go to a local “pita house” with my friend Adam.  Being vegetarians, we would both get falafel gyros.  I fell in love at first bite!  I later introduced Asa to falafel and he has come to enjoy it as much as I have.  I wouldn't eat it all the time, but on occasion it hits the spot!

For those who aren't familiar with falafel, it is a “deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both.  Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern food, usually served in a pita…” (source).  Okay, I know you should never use Wikipedia as a source, but for basic things like this all I need is a basic explanation :)  Anyway, we usually buy falafel mix from the store, although I definitely wouldn't mind trying to make it ourselves someday – I don’t think it is very difficult at all.  Generally, we try to keep our toppings for the pita rather basic because the falafel alone has so much spice and flavor to it.  Last night we had tomato, onion, spinach, and pickle for toppings/additions.  When we first started making falafel, we weren't sure what kind of dressing to add to top off the pita.  Traditionally, a cucumber sauce is added, but I’m not a fan of it.  I have read from people online that they use ketchup, but falafel and ketchup definitely do not go together!  I usually opted for ranch, and it suffices.  Asa once made a mixture of cumin and yogurt (or sour cream – he can’t remember), but last night he decided to look up a recipe and he found one that turned out very well!  It was a great addition to the pita and it was definitely the right kind of sauce to complement the falafel.

Falafel patties being fried

Sauce mix: yogurt, cumin, parsley, lemon juice 

Finished product!