Grilled Falafel

Step 1

Heat the oil in a medium, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and garlic until the onion is soft and the garlic golden, about 4 minutes. Let cool.

Step 2

Place the sautéed onion in a blender or food processor. Add the chickpeas. Pulse to coarsely chop the beans. Add cilantro, parsley, rice, curry and cayenne. Pulse until all ingredients are finely chopped and evenly distributed. Turn the mixture into a bowl.

Step 3

Add the juice and 1/4 cup of the bread crumbs. Have the remaining bread crumbs ready in a shallow dish or bowl. With your hands, knead the chickpea mixture until it is like a moist dough. Scooping up 1/4 cup at a time, form the chickpea mixture into patties. Coat lightly with remaining breadcrumbs. Repeat, making eight 3-inch patties.

Step 4

Heat the grill, griddle, or cast iron skillet. Brush lightly with oil. Place the patties down an inch apart. Cook 4 minutes, until brown in spots. Turn and cook another 4 minutes, to brown lightly on second side. Or, heat the broiler and place the falafel in a shallow foil-lined pan. Broil 3 minutes, turn and cook on the other side for 3 minutes. Serve immediately on whole-wheat pita with lettuce and sliced tomato.