Description
This Sudanese Falafel Sandwich is a delicious and crispy chickpea-based street food wrapped in soft pita bread with fresh vegetables and a flavorful tahini sauce. Sudanese falafel, also known as ta’amiya, is unique for its use of fava beans, giving it a distinct taste and texture. This healthy homemade recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas and high-protein recipes for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Falafel:
- 1 cup dried fava beans (soaked overnight)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 pita breads or Sudanese flatbreads
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup pickles (optional)
For the Tahini Sauce:
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp water (adjust as needed)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Falafel Mixture: Drain and rinse the soaked fava beans. Add them to a food processor along with parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking soda, salt, black pepper, sesame seeds, and flour. Blend until a thick paste forms.
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Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
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Shape and Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Scoop small portions of the falafel mixture and shape them into small patties or balls. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
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Make the Tahini Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, and salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
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Assemble the Sandwich: Warm the pita bread, then spread a layer of tahini sauce inside. Add shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles. Place the crispy falafel inside and drizzle with extra tahini sauce.
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Serve Immediately and enjoy this flavorful Sudanese street food!
Notes
- You can air-fry or bake the falafel at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier version.
- Serve with hummus or spicy harissa sauce for extra flavor.
- Store leftover falafel in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg