Holiday Felafel

1 (15 ounce) can drained chick peas

1 medium onion, shredded

⅔ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 Tbsp mint, chopped fine

2 cloves garlic, chopped fine

2 tsp ground cumin

¾ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

2 tsp lemon juice

1 egg, beaten

1 Tbsp yogurt

1 tsp baking powder

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 cup dry unseasoned bread crumbs

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup of canola or other frying oil for pan

Yogurt Sauce

1 (6 ounce) container plain yogurt

½ English cucumber shredded (optional)

1 Tbsp mint, chopped

¼ tsp salt

Dash of pepper

1. Shred the cucumber, salt, and then drain on a paper towel.

2. In a small bowl combine yogurt, cucumber, mint, and pepper and mix well. Keep cold until ready to serve

3. In a food processor, pulse the, onions, garlic, and herbs until well chopped.  Add the chickpeas and process until the chickpeas are somewhat smashed.  Remove from food processor.  Add the lemon juice, egg, yogurt, baking powder, oil, and breadcrumbs  into the mashed chickpeas.

4. Divide the mixture into 10 balls and roll into sausage shapes or flatten into patties.  (For appetizer size, use 16 balls.   Chill these until cold.

5. Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Coat felafels in flour before frying.

6. Fry patties in hot oil until brown on both sides. Be careful not to flip or turn the felafels until the cooked side is crispy and brown.  Serve with pita bread, rice, or on toothpicks.  If desired, present with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped onions, and cucumbers.  Serve the yogurt sauce on the side.