Falafel Pita from Zoes Kitchen features crispy, golden-brown falafel balls made from spiced chickpeas, nestled in a warm, soft pita bread with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy tahini sauce, offering a flavorful and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Equipments
- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Pita bread
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 pita bread rounds
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt (for tahini sauce)
Chickpeas, either canned or soaked dried, form the base of falafel and must be well-drained to avoid soggy mixture. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro provide vibrant flavor, so using fresh rather than dried is essential. Spices such as cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper give the falafel its distinctive taste, and adjusting their amounts can customize the heat level. Baking powder and flour act as binders, helping the falafel maintain its shape during frying; substituting with gluten-free flour is possible for dietary needs. You can recreate the Falafel Pita from Zoes Kitchen copycat menu by combining these ingredients with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tahini sauce for an authentic Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Instructions
- Add chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne, and salt to a food processor.
- Pulse mixture until coarse and well combined, but not a paste.
- Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl.
- Stir in baking powder and flour until evenly mixed.
- Cover and refrigerate mixture for 30-60 minutes.
- Shape mixture into small balls or patties using a spoon or hands.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry falafel in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove falafel with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Slice tomatoes and shred lettuce on a cutting board.
- Combine tahini, lemon juice, water, and salt in a bowl to make sauce; mix until smooth.
- Warm pita bread.
- Cut pita bread open to form pockets.
- Fill each pita with lettuce, tomato slices, and falafel balls.
- Drizzle with tahini sauce.
- Serve immediately on a serving plate.
Substitution
Preparing a Falafel Pita copycat from Zoes Kitchen involves blending chickpeas, herbs, and spices in a food processor to form the falafel mixture, then frying until golden and crispy. If you don't have a deep fryer, a frying pan with a few inches of vegetable oil works just as well. To keep your falafel from becoming greasy, drain them on paper towels after frying with a slotted spoon. Pita bread can be substituted with flatbreads or wraps if desired, and your tahini sauce can be thinned with more lemon juice or water to suit your taste. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro are key for authentic flavor but can be replaced with dried versions in a pinch.
Tips
Ensure your food processor pulses the chickpea mixture until coarse to avoid falafel that's too dense or gummy. Refrigerating the mixture for at least 30 minutes helps the ingredients bind and enhances flavor. Maintain the oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) for even frying and a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil. When assembling, warm the pita bread to prevent tearing and allow your falafel pita to hold its fillings better.
Nutritions
Falafel Pita from Zoes Kitchen is rich in plant-based protein and fiber thanks to its primary ingredient, chickpeas, which support digestive health and muscle maintenance. The fresh vegetables provide vitamins A and C, promoting immune function and skin health, while tahini adds healthy fats and calcium. Your meal offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates from pita bread and beneficial spices like cumin and coriander that may have anti-inflammatory properties. This Mediterranean-inspired dish delivers a nutrient-dense option ideal for a satisfying and wholesome lunch or dinner.
Storage
Store leftover falafel balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain crispness and freshness. Keep pita bread wrapped separately at room temperature to prevent sogginess, and refrigerate chopped lettuce and sliced tomatoes in sealed containers for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat falafel in a frying pan or oven to restore crispiness before assembling your pita.
Variation or Alternatives
You can customize your falafel pita by baking the falafel balls at 375degF for 20-25 minutes instead of frying to reduce oil content while maintaining crispiness. Substitute fresh mint leaves for cilantro to add a refreshing twist to the traditional flavor profile. For a gluten-free option, use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour when binding the falafel mixture. Adding a drizzle of spicy harissa or a dollop of Greek yogurt inside the pita can enhance the overall taste and texture.
Allergies
Your Falafel Pita contains chickpeas, which are legumes known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals, including symptoms like hives or digestive issues. The tahini sauce, made from sesame seeds, is another common allergen that can trigger severe reactions in sensitive people. If you have allergies to legumes or sesame, it's important to avoid or seek alternatives to this dish to prevent adverse effects.
Why this recipe?
Falafel Pita from Zoe's Kitchen delights with its authentic blend of crispy, seasoned chickpea falafel wrapped in soft pita bread, paired with fresh vegetables and tangy tzatziki sauce. The menu item appeals due to its balance of textures and bold Mediterranean flavors that cater to both health-conscious and flavor-seeking diners. Creating a copycat version lets you customize ingredients to your taste while enjoying a wholesome, plant-based meal at home. Your efforts in replicating this popular dish ensure a satisfying, guilt-free indulgence packed with protein and fiber.