Served over a bed of spring greens or alongside homemade flatbreads, falafel is a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for the warm summer nights.
The incomparable Anthony Bourdain once said, “It’s an irritating reality that many places and events defy description…seem to demand silence, like a love affair you can never talk about. For a while after, you fumble for words, trying vainly to assemble a private narrative, an explanation, a comfortable way to frame where you’ve been and what’s happened. In the end, you’re just happy you were there…with your eyes open…and lived to see it.”
Like everyone else, I have a love/hate relationship with social media. There are times where I get so absorbed in the lives and moments of others, I miss out on what’s in front of me. Those times are equally matched however, by moments of such unaccountable beauty that fills me with a passion to share it with others, yet during those crucial moments, words seem to fail me. It’s a vicious cycle, but alas, this is the tribulation of the digital age in which we live.
There is, however, something sacred in holding onto something beautiful…a secret best kept to yourself.
Let me paint you a picture of an early summer evening, to the best of my own ability.
Imagine the sun sinking lower in the sky, giving way to the velvety dark of night. Colors subdued in the fading light as the street lamp clicks on offering a soft humming sound. The heat of the day has now ebbed to a comfortable warmth and outside the open windows, you watch the shadows of night slowly blanket the world around you. You pour yourself a glass of wine, soaking in the early evening lull. If only each day could end as such. Some nights are made for torture, or reflection, or the savoring of loneliness.
There is only one thing that could complete this scene, and that is a meal to match its emotions. If you could taste the warmth yet loneliness of spring, what would you serve?
On evenings such as this, I opt for something understated. A meal that is made with the ease of let’s say, a scrambled egg, yet boasts of the palate of a four-course meal. This brings us to today’s recipe- Sun-dried Tomato Falafel served over warmed flatbreads and a cool yogurt sauce.
Sitting out with a glass of wine as the day winds down, I picture something laidback. I want to pick something up with my hands and savor it. Sure burgers might fit this description, but lets up the ante and go for something a little more…bougie.
I’m simultaneously reinviting your summer board here, by serving these on a platter rather than individual plates. I’ve complemented the falafel flatbreads with dried figs, salted herring filets, sliced avocados, and seasoned olives. It’s not all about cheese and dried meat, my friends. Time to reinvent the conventional standard. (Check the recipe card notes for more ideas on assembling your dinner board.)
Pushing the envelope even further, I added my own Mediterranean twist to this Middle-Eastern classic. The distinct sweet/tartness of Sun-dried tomatoes adds a subtle depth of flavor to these chickpea medallions.
Living the Gourmet
Yields 1 dozen falafel medallions
Serves 4
15 minPrep Time
15 minCook Time
30 minTotal Time
Save Recipe4.9 based on 15 review(s)
Ingredients
- 1 recipe for Homemade Flatbread
- Salad Greens, for serving
- Olives, for topping
- Dried figs, optional
- 2 avocados, sliced
- Canned Herring filets, optional
- 1 lb. 15 oz. garbanzo beans, drained
- 3 – 4 pieces of sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 – 4 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup of parsley or cilantro, stems removed
- ½ cup of bread crumbs
- 2 tbs. olive oil
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp. ground cumin
- ½ tsp. curry
- ½ tsp. dried oregano
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
- 1 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients for the falafel in a food processor and process until smooth. Let the mixture rest for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Heat a large frying pan with about ¼-inch oil.
- Using two teaspoons carefully place falafel mixture into the heated frying pan. Gently press down, then carefully turn over each falafel and continue to cook until both sides are golden.
- Combine all ingredients for the sauce and whisk until smooth. Adjust the seasonings if needed.
- Place fresh salad greens on each flatbread (best to serve the flatbread warm). Top each with at least 2 falafel medallions and sliced avocado. Drizzle with yogurt sauce and seasoned olives if desired.
- Serve alongside dried fruit and/or fresh fruit if you desire. Arrange canned herring filets if desired on your board alongside lemon wedges.
- See notes for more ideas on how to customize your summer dinner board.
Notes
Feel free to get creative with your dinner board. Serve chilled grapes to refresh the palate. I also like sliced stone fruit and berries as an option. If you like you can add cheese to the board. Fresh feta or goat cheese would compliment the flavors of this dish best. Though I wanted to keep the board light and vegetarian-based for the most part, feel free to add a meat to the board if you like. I feel the most complimentary for this spread would be prosciutto.
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The finishing touch to this dish is the creamy yogurt sauce. It’s a perfect compliment to this vegetarian meal and adds a refreshing, cool element to this dish.
Serve and enjoy. Take your time and savor every moment.
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