Celebrate Spring with a Vibrant Pea and Mint Falafel Recipe

Posted on 04/22/2024 by FTB

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your menu with bright, fresh flavors, and what better way to embrace the season than with a delicious, vibrant pea and mint falafel recipe? This dish is not only a delightful nod to traditional Middle Eastern cuisine but also a fantastic way to incorporate the season's fresh produce. Ideal for Food Trucks looking to spice up their offerings or for home cooks eager to bring a bit of culinary excitement to their kitchen, this recipe is both nutritious and bursting with flavor.

INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 cups fresh green peas (shelled)
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (coriander)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or use chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
To Serve:
- Tahini sauce
- Chopped lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes
- Whole wheat or gluten-free wraps
- Lemon wedges
METHOD
1. Prepare the Falafel Mixture:
  - Begin by blanching the green peas in boiling water for about 1 minute. Drain and rinse under cold water to preserve their bright color.
  - In a food processor, combine the blanched peas, mint leaves, cilantro, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still retains some texture.
  - Transfer the mixture to a bowl, and stir in flour and baking powder until the mixture is cohesive enough to form into small patties or balls.
2. Cook the Falafels:
  - Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Form the pea mixture into small balls or patties, then fry in batches. Fry until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
  - Remove the falafels from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
3. Assemble the Wraps:
  - Warm the wraps lightly on a dry skillet. Spread a thin layer of tahini sauce over each wrap.
  - Add a handful of mixed lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes to the wraps.
  - Place several falafels on top of the vegetables, then drizzle with a little more tahini sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
4. Serve:
  - Roll up the wraps tightly and cut in half to serve. Enjoy your falafels with extra lemon wedges on the side for an added zesty flavor.
WHY TRY THIS RECIPE?

This pea and mint falafel recipe brings a springtime twist to your culinary repertoire, making it a great addition to any food truck or home cooking menu. It's not only flavorful and healthy but also offers a creative use of seasonal produce. The freshness of mint and peas combined with aromatic spices makes this dish a delightful treat that's both satisfying and refreshingly different.Whether you're serving up meals on wheels or cooking for family and friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit, offering a tasty way to celebrate the flavors of spring.