Crispy Rice and Bean Falafel With Yogurt Dip
Unconventional falafel made with cooked basmati rice and butter beans instead of dried chickpeas, blended with fresh herbs and spices, then pan-fried until golden. Served with warm pitta bread, a cool Greek yogurt dip infused with mint and cucumber, and a bright tomato and red onion salad.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cups basmati rice
- 7 tbsp butter beans, drainedchickpeas (dried, cooked)1:1legumedairy-free
traditional base legume
- 2 tbsp tahini saucetahini paste1:1paste
same ingredient, different form
- 1 small onion
- fresh dill, handful
- fresh coriander, handful
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- salt(optional)
- black pepper(optional)
- sunflower oil, for frying
- pitta breadsnaan bread1:1bread
alternative flatbread
- ⅓ cups Greek yogurt
- fresh mint, chopped, handful
- 1 oz cucumber, grated
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 6 small vine ripened tomatoes, sliced
- 1 tbsp oil
- coriander leaves, torn, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Place half the rice and all remaining falafel ingredients in a food processor and blend to fairly smooth consistency with visible flecks of onion and herbs
- 2
Season to taste
- 3
Add remaining rice and stir well
- 4
Cover with cling film and chill for 30 minutes or longer
- 5
Blend all yogurt dip ingredients together and check seasoning
- 6
Mix all salad ingredients together and season
- 7
Mould falafel mixture into 12 balls and flatten into patties
- 8
Heat oil in a pan and fry patties for 3-4 minutes per side over medium heat until golden brown
- 9
Serve with warmed pitta bread, yogurt dip, and tomato and onion salad
Tips
Chill the falafel mixture longer than 30 minutes if time permits for easier handling and better texture
Ensure oil is at medium heat to avoid burning the exterior before the interior cooks through
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked falafel in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 180C for 5-10 minutes.
Prepare and chill falafel mixture up to 24 hours ahead. Form into patties and fry just before serving.
Warm pitta breads briefly before serving. Arrange falafel, salad, and dip on a platter for self-assembly.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the chilling step to avoid patties falling apart during frying
Do not use high heat to avoid burning patties before interior cooks through
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
traditional base legume
General Alternatives
same ingredient, different form
alternative flatbread