Lebanese Lunch: Delectable Gluten-Free Falafel Wraps with Tahini Sauce – A Cinematic Culinary Experience

Allergens

None (gluten-free)

Ingredients

• 1. 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight 2. 1 small onion, roughly chopped 3. 2 cloves garlic 4. 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped 5. 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 6. 1 teaspoon ground cumin 7. 1 teaspoon salt 8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 9. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 10. 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 11. 4 large gluten
• free tortillas 12. 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded 13. 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced 14. 1 medium tomato, diced 15. 1/2 cup tahini sauce (recipe below) Tahini Sauce: 16. 1/2 cup tahini paste 17. 3 tablespoons lemon juice 18. 1 garlic clove, minced 19. 1/4 teaspoon salt 20. 3
• 5 tablespoons water, as needed

Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Process until well combined and a slightly chunky paste forms. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of olive oil while processing until the mixture is smooth.
2. Transfer the chickpea mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a large pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat. Form the falafel mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and fry them until golden brown and crispy, approximately 4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside on a paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. To prepare the tahini sauce, whisk together the tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth. Add more water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Set aside.
5. Warm the gluten free tortillas in a pan for about 10 seconds on each side.
6. Assemble the wraps by placing a generous scoop of falafel, shredded lettuce, cucumber slices, and diced tomato onto each tortilla. Drizzle with tahini sauce and roll up tightly.
7. Cut each wrap in half and serve immediately.

Chef’s Insight

The key to perfect falafel is ensuring it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Experiment with different beans, such as black-eyed peas or lentils, for a unique twist on traditional falafel.

Notes

The tahini sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until needed.